Work of God's Hands: Yearning for His Presence

First Sunday of Advent: December 03, 2023

Readings: Isaiah 63:16–17, 19; Psalm 80:2–3, 15–16, 18–19; 1 Corinthians 1:3–9; Mark 13:33–37

 To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/AhZS6WD635o

The First Sunday of Advent marks the beginning of the liturgical year in our Roman Catholic Church. It is a season of anticipation and preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ at Christmas, as well as a reflection on the Second Coming of Christ. As we begin the Season of Advent, there is a sense of collective expectation and hope. The liturgical color for Advent is often purple, symbolizing penance, preparation, and royalty. The mood during this season is both reflective and hopeful, encouraging believers to prepare their hearts and minds for the coming of Christ. The Scripture readings on this Sunday typically focus on themes of anticipation, watchfulness, and readiness.

1. Being attentive and watchful

Mark 13:33–37 contains a significant passage where Jesus speaks to his disciples about the importance of vigilance and readiness for his return. Jesus begins by urging his disciples to "Be on guard! Be alert!" This call to watchfulness is not just about anticipating a future event but is an invitation to live with a heightened awareness of God's presence in our daily lives. There is no date or timetable at our disposal to know when exactly, we have to be ready to receive the Master. Even Jesus does not know. God's timings are different than ours!  As we navigate our earthly journey, let us be vigilant in recognizing the divine moments and opportunities for growth and service.

Jesus is very practical when he says that you don't get into sleep instead be "watchful." In fact, Jesus says "you do not know when the lord of the house is coming." We live in the shadow of eternity. That's why every moment and every day is important. We have to do those things we are called to do everyday of our lives. It means that we must so live that it does not matter when the Lord comes. It gives us the great task of making every day fit for him to see and being at any moment ready to meet him face to face. 

2. Carrying God always with us

The second coming of our Lord is so uncertain, that nothing is told to us about the exact hour, day, date or year. This uncertainty serves as a reminder that, in our spiritual lives, we should not procrastinate or assume we have endless time for repentance and reconciliation. Instead, we are encouraged to live each day with a sense of urgency, prioritizing our relationship with God and others. Each one is entrusted with gifts, talents, and opportunities. We must ask ourselves about the tasks God has assigned to each one of us and how we use them towards building the Reign of God. 

One thing is certain that the Son of God can see into the secrets of history. Jesus spoke about the fate of Jerusalem and many were blind to it. Every leader must guide his country or community, a man must be himself God-guided. The only one who knows God can enter into something of the plan of God. 

3. Yearning for God's Presence

Advent is a time intentionally and passionately yearning for God's presence. The Word of God often expresses this human desire to encounter God. Despite human frailty, vulnerability, finiteness and sinfulness deep down there is a longing for God. Therefore, our prayers begin with praise and thanksgiving to God. Our sentiments are expressed in a variety of ways leading to an ultimately intimate connection with God. The true fulfillment comes from being in a relationship with our Creator. We are all work of God's hands. All our human imperfections, shortcomings and the brokenness of the world are reshaped by God. For God is the potter and we are the clay. His ability to shape and mold us is a reflection of God's capacity to transform us into a vessel of His grace.

May the transformative power of God's mercy and compassion, help us to approach God with genuine repentance, trusting in His ability to shape our lives according to His divine plan. So that we heed this call with a sense of purpose and anticipation, knowing that the one we await is the source of true and everlasting joy.

Questions for self-reflection:

1. Do I genuinely recognize and embrace a deep yearning for an intimate relationship with God as my Father and Redeemer?
2. Can I recall specific instances where God's mercy has transformed my weaknesses into opportunities for growth?
3. How can I deepen my prayer life to foster a more profound connection with God and a greater awareness of His mercy?

Prayer based on Psalm 80

Lord, our Shepherd and Guardian,

In the quiet of our hearts, we lift our voices to You. We come before You, acknowledging our need for Your guidance, protection, and tender care. Look upon us with eyes of mercy, for we are Your people. As we navigate the challenges of life, we implore You, O Lord:

• Be the Shepherd who leads us beside still waters, restoring our weary souls.
• Be the Light that illumines our path, dispelling the shadows of doubt and fear.
• Be the Gardener who tends to the vines of our lives, that we may bear fruit according to Your purpose.

In times of drought and desolation, quench our thirst with the rain of Your grace. Let the sweetness of Your presence be like a balm to our wounded hearts.  Hear our cries, O Lord, and incline Your ear to the supplications of Your children. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, we pray. Amen.

Olvin Veigas, SJ

December 01, 2023