First Sunday of Advent: Hope

Today's readings: Ps 24, 150; Isaiah 1:1-9; 3 Peter 1:1-10; Matthew 25:1-13

Today we begin the four-week season of Advent. Advent isn’t merely the prelude to Christmas. It is distinct in purpose and tone. Like Lent it is a season meant for reflection and preparation for the coming of Christ. Each Sunday has a specific theme, and today’s theme is Hope. Hope is one of those virtues some secularists attribute to simple-mindedness. Yet Christian hope is not a Pollyana, rose-colored experience.

3 Peter 1:10 Peter addresses Christian hope for the parousia, or second coming of Christ. The author attempts to assure his audience that, despite some people’s flagging belief in Christ’s imminent return, God is not slow but patient. Nearly two thousand years after this letter was written, we have experienced even more of God’s patience, and even bigger questions and doubts about Christ’s return.

In Matthew's Parable of the Ten Bridesmaids, Jesus talked about five bridesmaids who put oil in their lamps in preparation for the coming bridegroom, and five others who did not. When the bridegroom arrived in the night, the unprepared bridesmaids were left behind. Of course the fate of the bridesmaids represents that of people who are prepared or unprepared for the second coming of Christ.

Of what use are these parables and letters to us today? Christians have varying opinions about the literal or metaphorical truth about the second coming, but wherever one falls on that spectrum, as Christians we should share a common trait: Hope. We share hope that God is in the process of transforming the world into the vision offered by Christ. Hope does not mean we coast through life waiting for God to do something. Rather, it means we live as if Christ’s reign is already here. We don’t expect children to prepare for adulthood by remaining children: we expect them to gradually assume the responsibilities of an adult. In the same way prepare ourselves to be the bridegrooms of Christ by living as Christ instructed us. Whether the parousia is around the corner or not becomes irrelevant as we become the people God yearns for us to be.

Comfort: God is present in your life right now.

Challenge: This Advent, make use of an Advent wreath.

Prayer: God of hope, I fill the lamp of my heart for you.

Evening readings: Ps 25, 110

Tomorrow's readings: Ps 122, 145; Isaiah 1:10-20; 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10; Luke 20:1-8