God comes down from the heavens
Published Nov 27, 2022 12:05 am
REFLECTIONS TODAY
MATTHEW 24:37-44
Many people believe that the occurrence of natural and man-made calamities, like earthquakes, big floods, volcanic eruptions, pandemics, kidnappings, terrorism, and rebellions, are signs of the end-times and the imminence of God’s judgment of the world. But in the Gospel, Jesus’ eschatological discourses are intended to give hope to believers rather than inculcate fear.
The First Sunday of Advent reminds us of the Lord’s coming into our lives (“Advent” literally means “coming”). It is this coming which the prophet Isaiah presents as awaited almost with a sigh: “Oh, that you would rend the heavens and come down, with the mountains quaking before you” (63:19). In Christ, God breaks his splendid isolation in heaven and literally descends among us. Jesus Christ is the “Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us” (Jn 1:14). He does it again in the present, when he comes into our lives, especially at Christmastime. He will come again in the future, and all things will be restored in him.
Today’s Gospel speaks of Jesus’ coming at the end of the age. Only the Father knows when this will take place (Mt 24:36). But we are forewarned. As in the days of Noah, when the people were caught unprepared, it will come as a big surprise. Our reaction to this coming cannot be one of indifference, but of vigilance. We must prepare ourselves spiritually and physically. When that time comes, will we be taken or will we be left behind? Jesus invites us to make a decisive choice — now.
The First Sunday of Advent which opens the new liturgical year is an invitation for Christians to stay spiritually awake. Christian life is one of readiness and anticipation, and the believer is one who waits for the coming of the Beloved. But to wait is not to waste time. Instead, it is to be immersed in one’s daily activities. Whether one is working in the field or grinding at the mill, our hearts should always be awake for the Lord. As the woman in love sings in the Song of Songs, “I was sleeping, but my heart was awake. The sound of my lover knocking! ‘Open to me, my sister, my friend, my dove, my perfect one!’ ” (5:2).
Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2022,” St. Pauls, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; Fax 632-895-7328; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.
MATTHEW 24:37-44
Many people believe that the occurrence of natural and man-made calamities, like earthquakes, big floods, volcanic eruptions, pandemics, kidnappings, terrorism, and rebellions, are signs of the end-times and the imminence of God’s judgment of the world. But in the Gospel, Jesus’ eschatological discourses are intended to give hope to believers rather than inculcate fear.
The First Sunday of Advent reminds us of the Lord’s coming into our lives (“Advent” literally means “coming”). It is this coming which the prophet Isaiah presents as awaited almost with a sigh: “Oh, that you would rend the heavens and come down, with the mountains quaking before you” (63:19). In Christ, God breaks his splendid isolation in heaven and literally descends among us. Jesus Christ is the “Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us” (Jn 1:14). He does it again in the present, when he comes into our lives, especially at Christmastime. He will come again in the future, and all things will be restored in him.
Today’s Gospel speaks of Jesus’ coming at the end of the age. Only the Father knows when this will take place (Mt 24:36). But we are forewarned. As in the days of Noah, when the people were caught unprepared, it will come as a big surprise. Our reaction to this coming cannot be one of indifference, but of vigilance. We must prepare ourselves spiritually and physically. When that time comes, will we be taken or will we be left behind? Jesus invites us to make a decisive choice — now.
The First Sunday of Advent which opens the new liturgical year is an invitation for Christians to stay spiritually awake. Christian life is one of readiness and anticipation, and the believer is one who waits for the coming of the Beloved. But to wait is not to waste time. Instead, it is to be immersed in one’s daily activities. Whether one is working in the field or grinding at the mill, our hearts should always be awake for the Lord. As the woman in love sings in the Song of Songs, “I was sleeping, but my heart was awake. The sound of my lover knocking! ‘Open to me, my sister, my friend, my dove, my perfect one!’ ” (5:2).
Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2022,” St. Pauls, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; Fax 632-895-7328; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.