General. Today’s Liturgy still echoes the Word of the past Sundays and of the feast of Christ the King. We are in the heart of eschatological times now, preparing for the arrival of the Lord who will come to take us up with him to the Father where his abode is, on His right hand side interceding for us with uplifted arms and blood dripping from the nail wounds in his hands. It is a continual giving up of one’s life, an extension in time and space of Jesus’ unique sacrifice on Calvary, when he gave up his body and blood for us. As Christians we also participate in this giving up of ourselves or sacrifice which will make us worthy of entering Heaven and stand on the right hand of the Father, next to Jesus.

Jeremiah. During Old Testament times the land of Israel and Judaea passed through rough times and there were various epochs in their history when they waited for liberation. God now promises to give it to them by way of a saviour from the line of David who will be an offshoot of truth and justice. Advent first readings often take us back to the History of Salvation and Prophecies alerting us to the Lord’s coming and his peaceful nature.

First Epistle to the Thessalonians. The Lord is coming, St Paul reminds early Christians, and he must find one and all prepared if he is to take us home, where we all belong, with him. Charity, or brotherly love, is the key-word to salvation, and unblemished holiness too, which will open up the gates of Heaven for us when Jesus will return in all his glory to take us up to the Father.

St Luke. Jesus’ words forewarn us of the last days of woe for all humanity. Yet this gospel goes beyond collectivity and also speaks to our hearts individually. The end may be very near for some of us and sooner or later it will come for us all, so the warning is clear: Be sober as to your food intake, do not preoccupy yourself with many unnecessary thoughts about your needs. In other words, have faith in God who is overshadowing you and who will provide not only for your material needs but also as to all that which might be causing you trouble or worry. Place yourself in His hands through prayer and the trust which we normally give to a loving Father so that we might stand upright and fearless before the Son who is coming in glory.

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