Coming of Jesus

11-28-2021Weekly ReflectionFr. Bing Colasito

The ultimate aim of man is to be one day with Jesus Christ, the source of life and who gives eternal life. He is the incarnation of the love of God comes into flesh: I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly. (Jn. 10:10) Advent is that renewed preparation and desire to meet Jesus worthily when He comes. The Collect (Opening prayer) this Sunday captures this desire: Grant your faithful, we pray, Almighty God, the resolve to run forth to meet your Christ with righteous deeds and His coming, so that gather at His right hand, they may be worthy to possess the heavenly Kingdom.

The readings today; ask this question: Are we ready to meet and welcome Jesus Christ into our life? The prophet Jeremiah announces the plan of God to raise a just shoot from the line of King David, who gives security to the house of Israel. The first coming of Jesus fulfills this prophecy; He is the just shoot who brings salvation and security not only to the house of Israel but to the whole world. While His death on the cross is the once and for all sacrifice for our salvation. Thus, becoming the highest blessing and graces for the whole of creation. Jesus fulfills the atoning mission of the suffering servant, who will make many righteous; and shall bear their iniquities. ((CCC 623)

The general message of Sacred Scriptures is not to prepare for the end time by being overwhelmed with fear. The Lord invites us to welcome the coming of the Son of Man full of Joy because our redemption is at hand. To accomplish this: In the 2nd reading, St. Paul invites the Thessalonians to improve the spiritual condition of their lives. They can achieve this if they let their love for one another and others grow joyfully and fervently. To have a strong heart and blameless in holiness before God the Father and the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The incarnation of the Son of God, Jesus Christ, fulfills every longing we have for salvation. As St. Paul says: Everyone who calls on our Lord Jesus Christ will be saved. (Rom. 10:13) Advent is that beautiful season for hopeful longing, preparing for the coming of our Lord with hearts full of joyful hope.

Some people think that the coming of the Lord on the first Christmas is a thing of the past. In truth, it is not like any delightful story or another children's story. The advent of the Son of God is the beginning of The Greatest Story ever told: The birth, the life, the death, and glorious resurrection of the begotten son of God. Advent season gives us the time to reminisce the first Christmas; be ready for His coming to us every day, and anticipate His return in glory on the final day.

May this Advent season be a time to prepare, to be vigilant in goodness, to be transformed, and to be filled with joyful hope.

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