KEY POINTS FROM TODAY'S READINGS

ON THE FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT...

 

Expectations and preparations are very bitter, when they are followed by disapointments.

Imagine holding someone in high regards, expecting much, he finally arrives, bringing nothing to the table.

This can never be the case in our expectations, on the coming of Jesus.

Jesus never disappoints.

 

Advent, from Adventus, meaning 'coming' as in 'coming of a notable person'

In Advent ( we expect the coming of someone special.

Someone without whom we are nothing.

Someone who will lead us by the pillar of cloud and the pillar of fire.

Someone who can never fail or disapoint us.

His name is Jesus.

 

In Advent we not just expect, but we prepare.

We cannot expect and prepare for someone who has no essence in our lives.

 

The first reading ( Isaiah 2:1-5) sees Isaiah prefigure the coming of Jesus, in the form of a mountain.

"Thus says the Lord, in the later days the mountain of the Lord shall rise above every other mountain.

And all nations shall flock to it.

To learn the way of righteousness"

 

Jesus as the king of Kings, is coming to rise above every mountain in our lives.

Jesus is coming to rise above every situation in your life.

Jesus is coming to raise you above every trials and troubles.

 

But then, we must first go to him.

The first reading says "and all nations shall go to the mountains"

Just like a student going through hard times, having a very rich uncle, yet he's not even thinking of meeting the uncle.

He never goes to him.

We must go to him(Jesus)

We must be ready to meet Jesus.

 

St Paul says in the second reading ( Romans 13:11-14)"you know what time it is"

"It is time to wake from sleep"

"For your salvation is near"

Time to wake from all works of darkness, jealousy, rivalry, drunkness, putting on our Lord Jesus.

 

These vices mentioned by Paul, are the very things we need to free ourselves from, if we really want to prepare to go close to Jesus.

These vices (distractions) can become, the thorn to the paths of our going to Jesus.

 

The people of Noah's time,( gospel, Mathew 24:37-44)couldn't resist the temptation.

They were busy eating, marrying wives and drinking, when water destroyed the earth.

 

We must know the calibre of people we are expecting.

What they can do in our lives.

And then we must go to him, Jesus

For no one goes to him and returns empty handed.