1st Sunday of Advent 30 November 2025
That Christ would come as Man was vitally important, but people did not understand this was God's intention. They had to be prepared by prophecies and miracles. Partly they caught on, but often slipped away again, reverting to worldly ways.
God's intervention in human affairs is often resisted, making it harder to take effect.
To be saved one has to cooperate. Out of pride or stubbornness and the like, one can refuse or delay the salvation offered by God.
My boat sinks and I am sitting on the last piece of wood, but when the helicopter comes I send them away. No thank you, I am perfectly fine… and I must drown sooner or later.
It sounds absurd in normal life terms but in the spiritual domain that dialogue is going on all the time.
God repeats his offer, so there is still hope for those who have been hiding from Him.
But Advent also recalls to us that there is a time limit. Either in one’s own death or in the second coming of Christ . So there is an urgency about the matter.
If we are clear that we want to be saved it should not be too hard, but we do need to keep reminding ourselves of certain things; not become complacent or despairing.
Complacent is when we think it is very easy to be right with God, and salvation is assured.
Despair is when we think it is too hard, and no one can qualify.
Salvation is hard insofar as it requires discipline and self-denial. It is easy insofar as God is merciful and give many graces to assist us.
With each passing Advent we nurture the hope that all we have longed for will find its fulfilment.
What about the millions of people resisting? We use the time that we have to spread the Good News, to say to the world, Prepare ye the way of the Lord.
We can do this as individuals and as the whole Church.
We are telling the world that it does not hurt to be a Christian; that it brings great joy, even when there is sorrow about; that life eventually will be free altogether of suffering.
That, if enough people will accept God's offer of salvation
a lot of the worldly troubles will disappear as a new order takes hold.
The Church is meant to transform the world. For much of our history it has been the other way round – the world transformed the Church. This is because we have forgotten how much trouble we are in!
It is easy to see trouble if you are alone in the ocean. Not so easy if you are living like many around us who have no clear idea what life is for, or where they are going.
These are the bridesmaids of the Gospel, and the servants who were not ready.
These are the people of Noah’s day, buying and selling (Mt
24,38-39).
People will say how long he is taking to return… God keeps his word; if he says he is coming, he is coming
We can be caught up in some of the misunderstandings get muddled in our response but can clarify that response in this, another time of Advent.
It is a good place to start, in a church, and on a Sunday. We just need to persevere.
Come Lord Jesus!
