Weekly Reflection

First Sunday of Advent Year A
 “Only one thing in life matters. Being found worthy of the light of the world in the hour of his visitation.” Fulton Sheen.
 
In today’s first reading, Isaiah prophesies the nations streaming toward the mountain of the Lord’s house and all nations being instructed in God’s ways. In the second reading, Paul warns the Romans that salvation is near, and the day is at hand, so they should “put on the armor of light.” Jesus, in the gospel, tells his disciples, “You also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.”
 
We begin the liturgical year with the first Sunday of Advent (Cycle A – Gospel of Matthew). Advent is a derivative of the Latin word adventus, meaning “coming,” a translation of the Greek word “parousia.” Like Lent, Advent is a season of reformation of our hearts and time to pray – to sharpen our vision of God’s presence in our daily lives. It is celebrated four weeks before Christmas. The season allows us to reflect on the threefold comings of Christ. The first coming experienced in his birth. The second coming is at the end of time. At the same time, the third coming occurs in the daily presence of Jesus in our hearts. While we focus on the second coming of Christ at the closing of the liturgical year, we concentrate on his first coming at the beginning of another liturgical year.
 
When the Messiah comes, will he find us ready for him, or shall we be like people of his time who were blind to what was essential in their lives as they rushed for material things of life? On this first Sunday of Advent, let us be watchful for Christ. He comes in ordinary circumstances as we continue to experience him in our worship, family, scripture, prayer, and with everyone around us. We pray to the Lord through his mercy to make us live holy and chaste lives as we await the blessed hope and coming of Christ.

Solemnity of Christ the King
"But the Kingdom of God is within us, for the word of God is very near, in our mouth and in our heart. Thus, it is clear that he who prays for the coming of God's Kingdom prays rightly to have it within himself." St. Origen of Alexandria
 
In today's first reading, the elders of Israel anoint David as a king. In the second reading, St. Paul invites the Colossians to thank the Father for making us share in his inheritance. And in the gospel, the soldiers and onlookers jeer at Jesus on the cross, questioning the inscription that declares him King of the Jews.
 
We began the Liturgical year with Advent, in which we joyfully anticipated the nativity of Christ and ended it with the Solemnity of Christ the King. Thus, Holy Mother Church invites us to celebrate this last Sunday of the liturgical year, the Solemnity of Jesus Christ, the Universal King. Jesus is a humble, gentle, loving, merciful, sacrificing, and generous King who, through his self-giving death on the cross, shares his reign with his faithful disciples, not to lord it over them like the earthly kings. Today, we proclaim the kingship and authority of Jesus Christ over the whole universe and allow his kingship and authority to permeate us.
 
Gazing at the crucifix, we see the inscription INRI (Iesus Nazarenus Rex Iudaeorum), which means Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews. Jesus is not only the King of the Jews but the King of all believers. Jesus is the King of our lives. He is the King of Love, King of Peace, King of Integrity, and King of Truth. By our baptism, we share in Jesus' Kingship. We not only share in it but live it. Are we indeed the people of love, peace, integrity, and truth as Christ's disciples?
 
Let us meditate on Christ's dominion, judgment, and love on this last day of the liturgical year. Today's opening prayer enriches our contemplation by appreciating and focusing on Christ's mission: "Almighty and everlasting God, whose will it is to restore all things in your well-beloved Son, the King of kings and Lord of lords: Mercifully grant that the peoples of the earth, divided and enslaved by sin, may be freed and brought together under his most gracious rule.