DIAGNOSIS & TREATMENT: 1st Sunday of Advent, Yr. B

POINTING TO THE SAVIOUR OF THE WORLD

The readings this Sunday offer us a diagnosis of our spiritual ill-health and the ills of our society, the contradictions within us and how these could be resolved.

In the first reading we see human wretchedness in action. The Prophet Isaiah tells us that we have become like unclean people, all our good deeds are polluted rages, our guilt carries us away like the wind.

But along with wretchedness the 2nd reading also describe our greatness. St Paul speaks about the grace given to us by Christ Jesus. He has enriched us with discourse, knowledge, spiritual gifts.

So we find ourselves stretched between extremes: wretchedness and glory, misery and magnificence. What should we do? Two things: First, recognize that the very fact we know our wretchedness shows our greatness. The second thing is what Jesus tells us in today's Gospel: Be watchful! Be alert because God can come for us at any time; in our death, at the final judgment at the end of the world, in everything He has created, in every person, in every interpersonal encounter. Jesus alone can resolve our inner contradictions. In Jesus God has humbled himself to lift us up. He wants us during this season of Advent to use those gifts to lift Him up and to lift up others.He wants us to help those who carry heavy burdens. As we begin the season of Advent we ask for the grace to stay alert and watchful.