ADVENT AND THE SECOND COMING: A Catholic Perspective
1. Understanding the Meaning of Advent
This season invites Catholics to prepare spiritually for two significant events:
1. The Incarnation: Advent is a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, who was born in humble circumstances in Bethlehem. This event fulfills the prophetic promises of the Old Testament, including those found in Isaiah 7:14, which foretold a virgin bearing a son.
2. The Parousia: At the same time, Advent encourages believers to gaze forward in hopeful anticipation of Christ’s glorious return at the end of time, a reality encapsulated in Matthew 25:31-46, where Jesus returns to judge the living and the dead.
Advent is structured into two significant parts:
- First Part (First Sunday of Advent to 16th Dec): This segment emphasises the eschatological hope of Christ's return. Liturgical readings and prayers often focus on themes of vigilance and watchfulness.
- Second Part (December 17-24): This portion shifts the focus to immediate preparation for the Nativity of Christ, with a more joyful and expectant tone as Christmas approaches.
2. Advent as a Time for Reflection on the Second Coming
Throughout the season of Advent, the Church offers a rich tapestry of readings and prayers that remind believers of the promise of Christ’s Second Coming. This focus encourages a spirit of vigilance and readiness among the faithful.
- A Call to Vigilance: Jesus frequently implored His followers to remain alert and prepared for His return, as seen in passages like Matthew 24:42, “Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming”, and Matthew 24:46, “Blessed is the servant whom his master will find at work when he arrives.”
- Themes of the Second Coming in Advent:
1. Judgment: The Parousia represents a time of divine justice, wherein the righteous will be separated from the wicked, as described in Matthew 25:31-46. This serves as a reminder of the moral imperative to live with integrity and purpose.
2. Hope: Although the prospect of the Second Coming carries an air of solemnity, it ultimately points to the fulfillment of God’s kingdom. Revelation 21:1-5 presents a vision of restoration and renewal, in which God will dwell among His people, wiping away every tear.
3. Preparation: Advent emphasises the call for personal conversion and holiness, showing believers that living a righteous life is essential, as articulated in 2 Peter 3:11-12.
Advent provides Catholics with an exceptional opportunity to deepen their spiritual lives and enhance their readiness for Christ's return.
- Spiritual Practices for Readiness:
1. Repentance and Confession: Recognising the need for a pure heart, believers are called to respond to the invitation of Acts 3:19 to “repent and turn back” as they await Christ's arrival.
2. Prayer and Watchfulness: Following the directive of Luke 21:36 to “watch and pray,” Catholics are encouraged to engage in regular prayer as a means of remaining spiritually alert.
3. Charity and Almsgiving: Action rooted in faith, charity, and justice reflects God’s mercy. James 2:14-17 teaches that faith without works is dead, urging believers to embody their faith through acts of love.
4. Lessons from the Second Coming for Today
The Second Coming is not merely a future event but a living reality that holds significance for the present spiritual life of believers.
1. Christ Comes Daily: In the Eucharist, the Scriptures, and through the needs of others, Christians encounter the presence of Christ in their everyday lives, as highlighted in Matthew 25:40, where Jesus identifies Himself with the least among us.
2. Living in the "Already, but Not Yet": The Kingdom of God is a present reality within the Church while simultaneously awaiting its ultimate fulfillment, as described in Luke 17:20-21.
3. Missionary Spirit: An awareness of the Second Coming compels Catholics to evangelise actively and work for justice in the world, reflecting the call to be agents of God’s kingdom.
5. The Joy and Sobriety of Advent
Advent strikes a delicate balance between joy and sobriety in its spiritual approach:
The celebration of the Incarnation and the promises of Christ’s eventual return offer believers unparalleled hope and anticipation. The calls to repentance and readiness underscore the gravity of one's eternal destiny, urging Christians to reflect thoughtfully on their spiritual lives and commitments.
CONCLUSION: Advent as a Journey Toward Eternity
Advent encapsulates a microcosm of the Christian journey, a time of waiting, hope, and preparation. By focusing on both the remembrance of Christ’s first coming and the anticipation of His eventual return, Catholics are called to live in a state of constant readiness, balancing joy with vigilance.
As St. Bernard of Clairvaux eloquently teaches, Christ comes to us in three significant ways: in the flesh (the Incarnation), in the heart (His spiritual presence), and in glory (the Second Coming). This Advent season challenges believers to consider all three comings and respond with profound faith, unwavering hope, and boundless love
Dr Nicholas Macedon, OCD,
Jeeva Jyothi Carmelite Institute of Spirituality (JJCIS),
Old Gandarvakottai,
Pudukottai - 613301.
Tamil Nadu, India
What's app - +91 - 9698453101
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