My Dear People, 

             Today we begin the Season of Advent and the New Liturgical Calendar year. All of the readings for Sundays will be taken from the Cycle “C”.

             The prophet Jeremiah speaks about the Lord fulfilling his promise that he made to the house of Judah. The prophet deals with the future of the Davidic dynasty, and presents another version of Jeremiah’s prediction of a future Davidic Messiah. Catholic tradition sees Israel as a symbol of the Church. In fact, in the Book of Revelation the Church triumphant is called the New Jerusalem. Therefore, by applying this passage to the Church, the sufferings the Holy City experiences can symbolize the contradictions the pilgrim Church will experience due to the sins of men, for “she herself takes her place among the creatures which groan and travail yet and await the revelation of the children of God.” (Lumen Gentium, 48)

The reading emphasizes a certain alertness and readiness. This is how our lives should be at all times. The Gospel today tells us to “Be on guard lest your spirit become bloated with indulgence and drunkenness and worldy cares.” It is a constant reminder that we must have constant vigilance spiritually and not allow ourselves to become morally lax. The day will close in on us like a trap. We will not know the day nor the hour in which we will have to render and account of our lives. There will be no warning that this going to happen.

Many are not vigilant spiritually, but give themselves to the cares of this world and lose sight of the care of their souls. When they have to render an account of their lives, they will have no one to blame but themselves.

Advent is a time of warning for us to be spiritually prepared and alert!

Yours in Christ,   Fr. Vincent Clemente