1st Sunday in Advent ~ Isaiah 63:16b-17, 19b, 64:2-7; Mark 13:33-37
Isaiah is the prophet who guides the Church through Advent in preparing for Christmas. In this season of joyful anticipation, Isaiah urges all who will heed his voice to look forward to the coming of the Messiah, to prepare the way of the Lord. Though less true now, Advent is also a sacred time with a strong penitential tone, and Isaiah urges us to straighten out our crooked ways, tear down our mountains of misdeeds, and fill in the valleys of our bad habits. It is a time to turn away from sin and receive forgiveness.
More than mere penitence, Advent (Lat. adventus) means arrival and, so, it is also about the arrival of the reign of God, a Kingdom of justice and peace. Isaiah urges us to obey the Lord’s instruction, to walk in the ways of peace, to follow the promptings of the Spirit, and to be just in thought, word and deed. These usual four weeks leading up to Christmas, then, is a time to be filled with hope, rejoice in glad tidings and welcome the Messiah. Though a season of new beginnings, Advent continues the focus that has been true during the ending parts of the prior Year of Grace—a focus on the second coming of Christ or the Parousia.
The Gospel for this First Sunday of Advent has Jesus issuing a stern warning, “What I say to you, I say to all: ‘Watch!’” However, Isaiah, the premier Advent prophet, sets a different tone, when he declared, “Oh, that you would rend the heavens and come down…” It seems as though Isaiah is reminding the God of Israel of His own attributes, as though the prophet was telling God something new, something like, “You are mighty, you are our Father, you are the potter, you are the Redeemer.” Yet throughout the reading, the prophet also asks for mercy, forgiveness, and for a swift coming in glory. Portrayed colloquially, it is almost as if Isaiah was saying, “You will always forgive us, right?” or “You are the kind of father who would never forget his children. … aren’t you?” The prophetic passage is a curious blend of praise and petition, assurance and supplication.
Nonetheless, such a juxtaposition of opposites captures our life with God much better than a mere description ever would. Worship is meant to be offered to God as adoration and praise. During both major parts of the Mass, we ascribe many titles to the Trinity: Father, Redeemer, Lord, Savior, Shepherd and so on. However, then, almost without thinking of the implications of those titles, we never hesitate to ask God to act in those ways that acknowledge His divinity: Be a Redeemer. Be a loving shepherd. Be patient with us. The holy season of advent is a time of waiting and a time of prayer. Isaiah’s prophecy reveals how to do both and to do them at the same time. Along with all of creation, we cry out, “Maranatha or Come, Lord Jesus!” Then, in reply to that cry, the Lord says, “I am coming. Are you ready?” Yet, Isaiah offers the best response, “Would that you might meet us doing right.”
While heightened expectation and diligent waiting are the proper attitudes of Advent, more than passive elements are required: in Advent wreaths, days of more consistent prayer, Advent hymns and more frequent worship, we call upon the goodness of God in order to be well-prepared to meet the Lord at whatever time He comes—now, tomorrow, or at the end of time.
Advent Prayer—Fr. Henri JM Nouwen
Lord Jesus, Master of both the light and the darkness, send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas. We who have so much to do and seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day. We who are anxious over many things look forward to your coming among us. We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of your kingdom. We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence. We are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light. To you we say, “Come Lord Jesus!’ Amen.
Nature and dignity 