The First Sunday of Advent, November 28, 2021

Luke 21:25–28, 34–36

Jesus said to his disciples: “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. 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.”

The English word “advent” comes from a Latin word meaning “a coming”, “an approach”, or even “an arrival”.  In the Season of Advent, we Christians celebrate the historical event of the Son of God’s Birth, and we intensify our preparations for his coming again through fasting, almsgiving, and prayer.  It is unfortunate that in modern times, in the West, the penitential practices of Advent have been reduced or forgotten.  In the East, they still carry these out in the weeks before Christmas, including periods of fasting and abstinence.  Through penance we assist others while gaining control of our passions, and this is a very pleasing gift to present to God on the anniversary of his Birth.  That penance is necessary for the proper celebration of Christmas is shown in the example of the Wise Men: prayer, through their marveling at and following the star; fasting, through their long pilgrimage to a foreign land, during which food would have been strictly rationed; and almsgiving, through the giving of gifts to the Infant Christ who was born in a cave and laid in a manger.

The Gospel reading for today’s Mass begins with the Lord’s description of tribulation and persecution.  In the last times there will be a ferocious onslaught against the faithful.  Many natural disasters and wars will occur st the same time.  We think sometimes that the world is falling apart now, but it will be far worse at the end.  

God permits tribulations for our good, however.  Here is what St. Albert the Great teaches about them in his Commentary on the Book of Revelation: 

“Tribulation is profitable because it cleanses the soul from sin.  As Gregory said of Blessed Benedict: ‘He healed the wound of his soul with the wound of his body.’  Tribulation also shows the love of God.  Sirach 30, 1: ‘He who loves his son, continuously applies the rod to him.’  It also enlightens the understanding.  Isaiah 28, 19: ‘Vexation alone will give meaning to what you hear.’  It increases charity.  Psalm 4, 2: ‘In tribulations, you have loved me.’  It perfects virtue.  2 Corinthians 12, 9: ‘Virtue is perfected in weakness.’  It also makes men hasten for rewards.  Psalm 15, 4: ‘They hastened after their infirmities were multiplied.’  Finally, it acquires a heavenly kingdom.  Matthew 5, 10: ‘Blessed are those who suffer persecution for the sake of justice: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.’ ”

Tribulation also makes us vigilant, as the Lord desires us to be: “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.”  We can think of ourselves as traveling and needing to stay alert, for we are traversing now through the soul-endangering perils of the present world towards the bright country of heaven.  Let us grow in strength and self-mastery in the time God has granted us.