30/11/2025
FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT (YEAR A)
Isaiah 2: 1-5;
Romans 13: 11-14;
Matthew 24: 37-44
By Fr. Matthews Tembo
Today, as we begin the Season of Advent, the Church not only wishes to indicate the beginning of a period, but the beginning of a renewed commitment to the faith by all those who follow Christ, the Lord. This time of prayer and path of penance that is so powerful, rich and intense, endeavors to give us a renewed impetus to truly welcome the message of the One who was incarnated for us. In fact, the entire Liturgy of the Advent season, will spur us to an awakening in our Christian life and will put us in a ‘vigilant’ disposition, to wait for Our Lord Jesus who is coming:
The prophet Isaiah, in the first reading (Isaiah 2: 1-5), gives us a glimpse of a future where Jerusalem, the holy city, is exalted to a position of prominence. This prophecy speaks of a time when peace and prosperity will reign under the divine rule of God. It is a powerful reminder that even in times of turmoil and chaos, there is a promise of hope and restoration.
St. Paul, in the second reading (Romans 13:11-14), calls upon believers to awaken from spiritual slumber and embrace a life of moral living. He urges them to be prepared and turn from the darkness they have been in and look toward the dawning Light. He tells them that the time for them to do it is right now, because the time of salvation is “coming” nearer now than it has ever been. They are to live lives devoid of the dark deeds of their past. They are to put on armor of Light and be prepared for the Lord Jesus Who is “coming” again.
In the Gospel (Mt 24:37-44), Jesus reminds us of the importance of staying vigilant and prepared for the arrival of the Lord, for He comes, comes, ever comes. It is a deeply personal message that speaks to our hearts and calls us to reflect on the state of our souls. Just as in the days of Noah, when people were caught off guard by the flood, we, too, can become complacent and lose sight of our spiritual journey. Jesus urges us to be like the faithful servant who remains watchful, eagerly anticipating the return of the master. We need to be spiritually awake, continuously working on building a positive relationship with God and others. Are we living each day with a heart prepared for the Lord’s coming? Are we deepening our relationship with God and others?
On this first Sunday of Advent , the readings invite us to examine our spiritual lives. Are we living in a way that reflects our readiness for Christ's return? This involves nurturing our relationship with God through prayer, scripture study, and community fellowship.
The prophet Isaiah serves as a beacon of hope, reminding us that despite the challenges we face, there is a divine promise of peace and unity. Let us strive to be instruments of peace in our own lives, working towards a world where love triumphs over conflict and where all nations can walk together in the light of God's guidance. This vision encourages us to remain steadfast in our faith, trusting in God's ultimate plan for restoration and harmony among all people.
In today’s fast-paced and spiritually distracted world, St. Paul's challenges us to prioritize our spiritual well-being amidst the noise and distractions of daily life. The metaphor of “putting on the armor of light” serves as a powerful reminder to uphold integrity and righteousness in a society where moral relativism often prevails. It prompts us to stand firm in our convictions and to be beacons of light in a world that is in desperate need of hope and truth.
Jesus in the Gospel encourages us to approach our daily lives with a sense of urgency and purpose. Just as we prepare for significant events in our lives, we should also prepare our hearts and minds for the return of Christ, ensuring that we are not caught off guard by complacency. Staying spiritually awake means being attentive to God's presence in our lives, especially in the mundane moments. We should strive to recognize and respond to His call in our daily activities, allowing our faith to inform our actions.
Living as children of light means understanding the urgency of the times we are living in and aligning our actions and attitudes with the will of God. It involves casting off the deeds of darkness and putting on the armor of light. This requires us to actively reject behaviors and mindsets that are contrary to the ways of God and instead, clothe ourselves with the virtues of love, integrity, and righteousness. We can demonstrate our identity as children of light in a world filled with darkness by intentionally making choices that reflect the character of Christ. We, as children of light, are called to live transparently and authentically, allowing the light of Christ to shine through us in every aspect of our lives. This involves not only our outward actions but also our inner thoughts and motivations. We can bear witness to the transformative power of His light in a world that desperately needs His love and redemption by staying true to our identity in Christ and continually seeking to align ourselves with His truth and grace.
Furthermore, living as children of light also entails walking in obedience and submission to God’s will, allowing His Spirit to guide and empower us to live lives that honor Him. We can cultivate a lifestyle of intimacy with God that enables us to bear fruit and make a difference in the world around us by staying connected to Him through prayer, worship, and study of His Word. This ongoing relationship with God is essential for us to continually grow and mature in our identity as children of light.
As we begin the season of Advent, embrace the light of salvation drawing nearer each day. Shed the cloak of darkness and embrace the shield of light. Let go of what holds you back and stride towards spiritual growth. Rise from your sleep and shine as a bearer of light. Will you answer the call to live authentically and walk the path laid out before you? The time is now for us to do all we can to be prepared for the Lord Jesus’ “Coming” for us.
