November 27, 2011 Scripture Reflection

First Sunday of Advent

November 27, 2011

Ezekiel 34:11-12,15-17 1 Corinthians 15:20-26,28 Matthew 25:31-46

Isaiah, in Chapter 63, writes a dialogue between himself and God, praying for God's mercy upon the nation of Israel. This chapter was probably written near the end of the exile, perhaps at the Exodus. In his prayer, the prophet recalls God's blessings upon Israel in its past, especially at the time of the Exodus, but now begs God to show mercy once again to the nation because the people have acknowledged their sinfulness. God had been silent during the postexilic age and during their sad plight, the people themselves admit: "We are sinful…There is none among us who calls upon your name."

[Is. 64:4,6] Their persistent and humble prayer revives their hope as they wait for the fulfillment of God's promise: "No ear has ever heard no eye ever seen, any God but you doing such deeds for those who wait for him." [Is. 64:3]

Paul, in contrast to the prayer of Isaiah, gives thanks to God for the graces already bestowed upon the Corinthians in Christ Jesus. In his letter Paul praises the people of Corinth who, by their lives, demonstrate that they are not lacking in any of the spiritual gifts bestowed on them through their faith in Christ. The possession of these gifts enables the Corinthians to continue to wait in hope for the revelation of the Lord Jesus. Paul assured the community that God will constantly be with them to sustain them right up to the day of the revelation of Jesus Christ. The Apostle, by virtue of his own calling, reminds the Corinthians, "God is faithful, and by him you were called to fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord." [1 Cor.1:9]

All the readings for this First Sunday of Advent center around the theme of "waiting." The Israelites wait for God's mercy and forgiveness. The Corinthians are waiting for the revelation of the Lord Jesus. In chapter 13 of Mark's Gospel we read of Jesus' predictions of all that will happen before the second coming. Since we do not know the day nor the hour, Jesus advises us to be watchful and alert. He likens our watchfulness to servants left in charge of the household while their master is traveling abroad. The servants each have their own work to be done during their master's absence. The gatekeeper had received orders to be "on the watch." No one knew when the master would return.

And so with us, we do not know the hour of the Lord's return, but we do know he will surely come! Mark ends chapter 13 reminding us to stay awake… "May he not come suddenly and find you sleeping. What I say to you I say to all: "Watch!" [Mk. 13:36-37]

May we watch in hope-filled waiting!

In light of the readings we might reflect on the following:

What are my hopes and dreams as I wait for Christ?
Do I reflect on and use the gifts God has given me in service to my sisters and brothers?
How am I "waiting in hope" for the Advent of Christ in my life and in my surroundings?

Evelyn Cirvello, OP