As we come to Mass today, we officially begin the season of Advent. It is not only the beginning of a new liturgical year within the Church, but, most importantly, it brings about a time of preparation and anticipation for the coming of our Lord at Christmas. Throughout this season, the Church invites us to reflect on hope and to be watchful. Our readings for today remind us that we are a people called to live in the light of God’s promises, to grow in love, and to remain vigilant as we await the fulfillment of His kingdom.

The Promise of Hope

In the first reading, the prophet Jeremiah speaks of God’s promise to His people: “I will raise up for David a just shoot.” These words were spoken to Israel in a time of despair, when their nation was in ruins and their hope was faltering. Yet, in the midst of that uncertainty, God steps into the picture and reminds them that He is not finished with their story. Through the Prophet, the Lord reassures His people that a new branch will grow, from the seemingly lifeless stump of David’s lineage. It will be a branch that brings about justice, peace, and salvation.

Ultimately, as Catholics, we know that this promise is fulfilled in Jesus. And it is through Him that the promise of the Father isn’t just part of the story of the Jewish people. It’s part of our story as well. Just as God was faithful to Israel, He remains faithful to us. Even when we feel overwhelmed by the challenges of life – whether it be personal struggles with sinfulness, issues with health, difficulties with a loved one, or spiritual dryness – Advent reminds us that God’s promises are sure and true. We are not waiting in vain. Hope in the Lord is never lost. Sometimes, we have to remember to live in the light of that hope.

Living in the Light of Hope

St. Paul, in his letter to the Thessalonians, builds on this theme of hope by calling the Christian community to holiness. He prays, “May the Lord make you increase and abound in love…so as to strengthen your hearts.” Hope in God’s promises is not passive, it’s not lifeless; instead, that hope should inspire action in our lives, it calls us to newness of life. We are called to live in a way that reflects the love and holiness of Jesus, especially in how we actively prepare our hearts for His coming.

And so, Advent is a season of transformation. It is a time to evaluate how we are living and to allow God to shape us more fully into His image. Are we growing in love for God and for others? Are our hearts open to the grace that God offers us in this season? Paul reminds us that hope should inspire us to live with purpose, striving to be ready for the day when the Lord returns. That means, we also have to stay vigilant.

Stay Awake: The Call to Vigilance

In the Gospel, Jesus talks about His return. As we have heard over the last few weeks in our readings at Mass, the Lord tells us that it will be a time of upheaval: “There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars.” And that might make us fearful; but that’s not the Lord’s intention. Instead, His message is one of readiness. He encourages us to be attentive and be ready to respond because our redemption is at hand.

The vigilance that Jesus speaks of is not about anxiety or dread’ it’s about living with watchful anticipation. The distractions and cares of this world can easily weigh us down, dulling, in a way, our spiritual senses. So, Advent invites us to step back from the noise and focus on what truly matters. It is a call to prepare our hearts – not only for Christmas, but for the day when Christ will come again in glory.

A Unified Message: Hopeful Watchfulness

The common thread in today’s readings is this call to hopeful watchfulness. Jeremiah reminds us to trust in God’s promises; Paul calls us to live in love and holiness as we await their fulfillment; and Jesus urges us to stay vigilant, preparing our hearts for His coming. We are not a people who wait idly; we can’t afford to sit on the sidelines, not anymore. Advent is an active season. It challenges us to trust God’s faithfulness, to grow in holiness, and to remain spiritually awake. As we light this first candle on the Advent wreath, let it be a symbol of hope – a light shining in the darkness, reminding us of the promise of Christ’s coming.

Photo: Advent Candles Week 1, KaLisa Veer. Used under Unsplash license.