FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT

 

READINGS AT MASS

Isa. 63:16-17, 19,  64:2-7

Psalm 80

1Cor. 1:3-9

Mk. 13:33-37

Theme: FIRM TO THE END

Dear friends in Christ, N'wokafu YESU KRISTO...

On this First Sunday of Advent, the beginning of the Church's Liturgical year, we shall bless the Advent wreath and light the first purple candle, which stands for hope. 

This first candle, together with the readings of the day, brings our attention to the importance of hope. But more than that, the readings for the day also point to an important threat to the hope in our hearts. That is fatigue and disappointment. 

Fatigue and disappointment are dangerous for hope. The crunching period of waiting that comes with hope and the disappointment that sometimes follows the firm expectations that we have can diminish or even crush our hope.

The context of today's first reading is probably the period of return from exile in Babylon. The people were disappointed in what they found upon their return. The destruction and the deplorable state of their homeland did not comensorate the glory and the fruitfulness that was promised. Their hope was dashed, and they were disappointed in God. But in their disappointment, the prophet sees and proclaims untiring hope. 

It is important that we do not allow pain, fatigue, and disappointment to diminish our hope. We must not get tired of hoping. For this reason, Paul prayed that the faithful at Corinth might be kept firm to the end. We must keep firm and steady in faith, hope, and love until the end.

PRAYER

Almighty God, please grant us the grace to keep firm in hope, baring all disappointments that we may face. Amen.

May God bless you.

Fr. Kenneth Debre

Sunday, December 3, 2023.

Holy Rosary Parish, Hohoe.