Homilies1st SUNDAY OF ADVENT: THE DAYS OF NOAH AND THE LORD'S COMINGMt 24:37-44WE ARE LIVING in a world where some of the things can now be predicted. For instance, if we look at the international news channels, they provide their viewers weather forecasts in the next few days which help travelers, students, workers and others to prepare themselves for any eventuality. Moreover, if you are traveler, you can simply look at the large screen at the airport, and there you can have the information about the flight arrivals or departures. This works the same with trains and buses. If a country has an efficient transport system, the overhead screens in the stations provide exact time of arrival and departures. Travelers are happy and satisfied with this system. By looking at the screens, they will exactly know when the airplane, train or bus arrives.
Today is the First Sunday of Advent and in this season, we recall the First Coming of God into our midst. We remember that moment in which Jesus humbled himself and became man. He became one with us because of his desire to save us. While we recall the First Coming, we are also reminded about the Second Coming of Christ. We anticipate it, but the knowledge of this future event is beyond our capacities. The exact time of arrival can never be determined. No present technology, although advanced, can determine it. It will ever remain elusive. It can never be predicted.
As a result, Jesus gives us some lessons in the gospel today, and at the same time, he suggests what we should do while we expect his Second Coming.
First, Jesus speaks about the “Days of Noah”. The contemporaries of Noah were unprepared for the flood. The gospel passage describes, “they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage”. They never thought that their end would come so soon. They were caught up in everyday affairs so much so that they failed to take precautions against the flood.
And, thus, Jesus gives parables: “Two men will be out in the field; one will be taken, and one will be left. Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken, and one will be left.” This means one is saved, the other is lost. One is taken to the kingdom, while the other is left behind or is led to perdition.
Secondly, Jesus suggests two important attitudes to his disciples: vigilance and readiness. For as he says, “you do not know on which day your Lord will come”.
On the one hand, Jesus proposes us to “stay awake.” I have earlier that today people in general, and travelers in particular, look at the television screens for the weather forecasts, and at the station screens for the information about the bus or train. In that way, people now learn to be vigilant or to stay awake. But, spiritually speaking, what does it mean to stay awake? Being awake means to keep in our minds the conscious decision to enter into the spirit of Advent. At the same time, we must keep in mind the fact that Christ comes in the end time. We should always have this constant awareness. We must not be easily distracted by the worldly allurements and cares.
On the other hand, Jesus wants us to be ready or to “be prepared” for his coming. Usually our readiness or preparedness depends on how vigilant we are. If the weather forecast tells of rain, we bring umbrellas with us. When it is going to be windy or cold, we bring jackets with us. In the same way, we need to prepare for the coming of the Lord. During advent, our physical preparation which is more evident should be coupled by a spiritual preparation. Conversion is also applicable during Advent season.
Indeed, we need to stay awake and be ready. Advent can be compared to an alarm clock or bell that wakes us up. Advent wakes up Christians who are in danger of sleeping through their lives. If we no longer find the importance of God in our lives; if we do not pray anymore, then it is time to wake up! Advent asks us to be aware of our responsibilities. The Second Coming of Christ thus becomes an event that gives purpose and energy to our every breath here and now.
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