First Sunday of Advent
(Jeremiah
33:14-16; Thessalonians 3:12-4: 2; Luke 21:25-28.34-36)
New
Englanders have a beautiful Advent tradition. During this season they put a
candle in every window of their house. The Irish are said to have brought this
custom to America. Once the English rulers banned the Mass in Ireland. Then the
Catholics would put a candle in the window as a signal to wandering priests. They could enter to secretly celebrate
Christmas mass. For this reason, a lighted candle in the window has become a
sign of hope. It signifies that the people of the house are waiting for the
return of a loved one.
When we
speak of hope, we must keep two issues in mind. First, what is hoped for? Second,
in whom does one put hope? We only hope for things that we do not have. A year
ago, many of us hoped for the vaccine. In Cuba now many people wait for the
freedom which they feel is near.
In the case
of the vaccine, we put our hope in the scientists together with God. We prayed
that the Holy Spirit would inspire scientists to invent an effective vaccine.
As the season of Advent begins, we hope for something almost unimaginable. We
hope to be rescued from sin and death. We put this hope in Jesus who promises
us in the gospel that he will return to save us
Today’s
gospel today uses a different word to signify Jesus’ return. It says that we
are waiting for "redemption." We wait for Jesus to return to rescue
us from the bondage of sin and death. People
who have suffered to keep the faith feel the need of redemption. They are the
Jews in the time of Jeremiah the prophet, author of the first reading. Exiled to
Babylon, they hoped that David's “shoot" would conquer their captors. We
recognize Jesus Christ by this title. There are Christians today who, lacking
freedom, wait for the "scion of David." In China and Pakistan many Christians
live with ridicule and criticism if not threats and attacks. Also, there are
the divorced who do not remarry so that they might receive Communion. They too wait
for Jesus to redeem them from loneliness.
And how is
it that we wait for redemption? Is it just because some roll their eyes when we
say grace before eating? No, our need for redemption runs deeper than this. When
we get old, we too feel lonely and want to meet dear departed ones. Even young
people often live with unbearable conditions from which that they want
redemption. For example, the rate of depression and suicide among teens is
growing. All of us who make efforts to live with a clean heart hope for redemption.
We want to be delivered from the lying and cheating that surrounds us.
The hope
for redemption does not eliminate the need to work for a better world. Rather,
in preparation for Christ we should redouble our efforts. For this reason,
Saint Paul in the second reading urges that we overflow with love for everyone.
We do it at home with close attention to our children. We do it at work by
giving a day's work for a day's pay. We should also try to assist fellow
workers who are lost to find their way to the Lord. We do it in the community with
different kinds of support. Perhaps we help in the food pantry for the poor or
take an elderly person out shopping.
Of the
three theological virtues, hope seems the least appreciated. Faith is basic,
the foundation of spiritual life. Saint Paul says that love is the greatest.
Who wants to dispute with him? But let us not count hope for nothing. In times
it soars like a bird. It sings to us for our redemption. It indicates, as the
gospel testifies, that God will provide for us.
