First Sunday of Advent: The End of Times

The Advent of Christ is upon us! Often many of us infiltrate this sacred season of expectation with parties, shopping, movies, and music. It is, however, a realization that each of us must come to: that Advent is separate from Christmas. Without Advent, there wouldn’t be a Christmas. Each of us is invited to journey with the Blessed Mother Mary and St. Joseph during these four weeks and in return, we will be able to welcome the Christ Child on that Christmas morning. Therefore, make a pledge to yourself this Advent to truly enter into a mindset of awaiting. Awaiting for the parties, the gifts, the movies, the music. But most importantly, awaiting for our Savior, the Christ. 

It is in this Sunday’s Gospel from St. Luke, according to the 1960 Roman Calendar, that Jesus shares with the disciples what is due to happen at the end of time. Jesus instructs that many will fall away and that there will be much confusion. One could argue that this is already happening, and given the circumstances, I may agree. However, it is in the time of Advent that each of us is able to renew our lives and devotion to the Church and to Christ. Jesus Christ is so much wanting each of us to actively participate in His joyful birth on Christmas Day. 

As we enter into this season, may we recall the prophetic words from Jesus on the end times (Luke 21:25-33), and also begin to reflect on our own life and its path. Each of us will enter into our own “end times”, whether it is of tragedy, illness, or of old age, each of us will be summoned before the Just Judge. Let us use this time set aside by God for His people to examine our lives and begin to practice ever more closely the teachings of Christ and His Church. 

Veni, Veni Emmanuel! O Come, O Come Emmanuel! ​

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And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, by reason of the confusion of the roaring of the sea and of the waves; Men withering away for fear, and expectation of what shall come upon the whole world. For the powers of heaven shall be moved; And then they shall see the Son of man coming in a cloud, with great power and majesty. But when these things begin to come to pass, look up, and lift up your heads, because your redemption is at hand. And he spoke to them in a similitude. See the fig tree, and all the trees:  When they now shoot forth their fruit, you know that summer is nigh; So you also, when you shall see these things come to pass, know that the kingdom of God is at hand. Luke 21:25-31

Reflection written by Seth Ball