Pastor's Letter 20221127 - 27 November 2022 - A "Wake-up" Call

Father Michael · November 27, 2022

November 27^th, 2022

First Sunday of Advent

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A Message from Father ^_†Michael

Today’s Theme:

“A Wake-up Call”

Reflections on Today’s Scripture

During the Advent Season, our Scripture Readings prepare us for Christmas—an ancient tradition in the history of Salvation. As Christians, we believe that plan was realized in Jesus Christ. First, we reflect on the promise of His First Coming, and then we look forward to His Second Coming, when that plan will reach fulfillment.

(Isaiah 2:1-5) How will we explain war? How will we account for death by starvation of entire populations? What will the Prince of Peace say, when He finds portions of the world He redeemed made uninhabitable by nuclear mistakes? Peace will grow when military maneuvers are replaced by mutual respect and meaningful negotiations.

Isaiah, (a Judean, who lived during a turbulent period of political and religious decay ca. 800 B.C.,) concerned himself with the Messiah and the Messianic times, by offering his people a vision of peace and unity, that encompassed all the nations of the earth. He saw peace coming only when Judah and all the nations had learned the ways of the Lord—along with which, would come judgment on the “Day of the Lord.” An historical assessment of classical literature indicates that Isaiah’s aspirations were shared by people of all creeds and cultures of his time.

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(Romans 13:11-14) On the “day that will never end,” humanity will be called to render an accounting of its stewardship The most eloquent expression of faith is a life lived in accord with Jesus’ teaching and example.

^†Paul interprets the life of a redeemed Christian as one lived “in tension.” Struggling to keep sin’s darkness at bay, we nonetheless hope to bask in the glory of the Lord. In our daily challenges, we are not alone, but buoyed by the strength we obtain from the Holy Spirit, living within us. By our faith in Jesus, and by our moral response to His saving death and resurrection, we benefit from His redemption of all sinners. That requires us to live according to the light of Christ’s victory over death.

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(Matthew 24:37-44) Only if we make our faith a daily routine, will we be prepared for our moment of redemption—our death. In so doing, we will have cast aside pride and ambition; and survive the test of Christ’s love in order to enjoy His presence forever.

Today’s Gospel selection was intended to give contemporary Christians a more enlightened view of the “end times,” and of the final judgment that would accompany it. ^†Matthew chided his community to “stay alert and be ready,” and not to be consumed with the details of everyday life. Our task is to put on Christ, live Christ, and await His return. Our only protection is holding an attitude of preparedness at all times, and living each day as if it were our last!

Facing the New Day

For most of us, waking after a night’s sleep is a normal occurrence, about which we give little thought. It just “happens,” and we arise, to get on with the day’s demands and routines.

Others, however, consumed in the depths of sorrow or depression, might actually “dread” waking, sadly expecting a continuation of their drudgery. For them, life is a series of monotonous tasks and obligations, from which they receive little inspiration or joy.

Our attitude towards “awaking” is quite important. Greeting the day with enthusiasm means we will progress through the hours in a whole-hearted manner. We realize our life choices are ours to make, freely, even though circumstances beyond our control may occur. Few of us have “a perfect life,” and we all have to face challenges. But it’s our attitude toward these obstacles that makes all the difference.

Each year, our Liturgy presents Advent, just before Christmas. The Church has placed this season in the calendar, like Lent, with thoughtful selections of Scripture, to allow us an opportunity to contemplate an upcoming Christ event. Spiritual awakening can occur at any time, and for many people, it isn’t necessary for them to wait for specific “seasons.” They can experience particular “God-moments,” often when they are confronted by seemingly insurmountable obstructions, for which they are extremely grateful, at any time. If we “give ourselves up” to God’s inspiration, oftentimes, we might feel great relief. Then, when least expected, in a manner we might not understand, we may find our difficulties mysteriously solved by someone, or something—an “aha” experience, if you will. Many such moments of conversion have become legendary, but for most people, they remain solemn, and wonderfully personal experiences. Often, these “wake-up calls” have been termed “being born again,” and their accounts fill Christian literature.

Spirituality is, actually, about “waking up,” in whatever way it happens. When we find that we finally realize a particular understanding, or insight, many human problems seem to simply “melt away.” At such times we may even find ourselves profoundly “in tune” with our Creator. Such states as this could be seen as “living in love.” Then, the object of our love is Our Blessed Lord. (The human condition called “being in love” is very similar to this spiritual state.)

Of course, it’s easier to “while away our lives” in an uncaring and unaware existence. But such a condition is a wasted life. It’s much more difficult to be watchful and alert—to be concerned, active and interested. A good word to describe such an attitude toward life is “responsible.”

We read of Jesus telling His disciples to stay awake—to be “on guard.” We have nothing to fear, but everything to gain by answering Advent’s call. Rather than neglect the possibility of doing something of value for ourselves, our any human being, we should seize this chance, and remember that our days on earth are fleeting.

People of Light

When we look at the face of a person and see them as a sister or brother, that is when it can be said we are “filled with light.” Because of Jesus Christ, the Light has shone upon us, and still shines. Our mission in life to must be to “walk in His light”—a Light of justice, love and peace.

In spite of our efforts, though, darkness still has power over us. Darkness may take many forms: any kind of hatred, animosity, lack of forgiveness, lack of reconciliation, some injustice done to another, immoral behavior, drunkenness, addiction et. al A little reflection will help each of us identify what form or forms darkness takes in our lives.

Our first task is to recognize the darkness. This requires courage—but even more courage is needed to take responsibility for that darkness, and decide to do something about it! There is no joy in a life spent in darkness—quite the opposite. But with the help of the Holy Spirit, we can live and walk in a life filled with Light. Someone who holds an attitude of Light will bask in joy and freedom.

If we are fortunate to pass through this Advent Season, and be able to say that we left some form of darkness behind us, we will be indeed blessed. If we allow the Christ’s Light to shine into some area of our life where formerly darkness held sway, then we can become be ever more ready to meet Our Blessed Lord—in Whose presence no form of darkness can exist.

May God Richly Bless You!