Gospel: Luke 21:25-28, 34-36
And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. But when these signs begin to happen, stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand.
“Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life, and that day catch you by surprise like a trap. For that day will assault everyone who lives on the face of the earth. Be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent and to stand before the Son of Man.”
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Reflection:
The story is told about a man who was diagnosed with cancer. Sensing that the end of his earthly journey was about to come, he went to a priest and asked to be administered the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. The man, in the throes of death, was able to properly prepare himself for the coming of his own end-times experience in this world.
Today is the first Sunday of Advent. What is the meaning of Advent? In the Christian faith, Advent means "coming"—someone very important is about to come into our lives. Of course, we all know who this very important person is: He is none other than Jesus, our Savior.
Outside of the Christian faith, Advent could also mean "coming." Coming of what? It could signify the arrival of a turbulent episode in our lives, such as sickness, as illustrated in our story. It could also mean the coming of a problem we create for ourselves.
Nevertheless, let us not allow ourselves to be distracted by these tragic human events that may come into our lives. The focus of Advent is Jesus’ coming into our lives. The Savior will come to save us from anything that troubles us.
In the first part of the Gospel, Jesus tells us this: "There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on earth nations will be in dismay, perplexed by the roaring of the sea and the waves. People will die of fright in anticipation of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken" (Luke 21:25-26).
Of course, we have only two choices for how we would face this seemingly calamitous end. The first is to be afraid—who wouldn’t be afraid when the earth is crumbling before us? The second is to remain calm, be hopeful, and not fear, because there is a God who is in charge of everything and a God who will come to save us.
In the midst of life’s uncertainties, let us still be filled with hope and positivity, because our Savior will come to save us. – Marino J. Dasmarinas
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