A TIME OF EXPECTANCY AND HOPE

I SUNDAY OF ADVENT: Jer 33:14-16

This Sunday, we start the season of Advent, which is a time of expectancy and hope.

The daily news are a litany of natural disasters and wars, compounded with an economy in recession and people suffering from all kinds of strange diseases, leading many to loose faith and to despair. This time of Advent comes to remind us that, in spite of all the hardships and sufferings, we must look forward, because better times are coming.

Stand erect and hold your heads high!

In this world, where most people are full of apprehension, misgivings, and suspicion, the Christians must be a beacon of hope. Even if the end of the world is near,  as some preach, Christian must “stand erect and hold their heads high” (Lk 21:28), because the PROMISED ONE is coming with salvation.

The prophet Jeremiah was considered a prophet of doom, because he was constantly warning the people about the incoming catastrophe. His call was for change and conversion, so that the disaster might pass them by. However, in his later life, he transformed himself into a prophet of hope, helping people to see beyond the present suffering. 

In his old age, St. Augustine saw the Vandals enter his city, bringing destruction and death. Many people thought that it was the end of the world, and they looked to Augustine for guidance. And his answer was: It is the end of this old world, and the birth of a new world.

Honesty and integrity in the land

A Christian can never lose hope. Let us listen to Jeremiah’s words, full of promise: 

The “Promised One” (the Messiah) 

“shall practise honesty and integrity in the land.

In those days Judah shall be saved

and Israel shall dwell in confidence.

And this is the name the city will be called:

The-Lord-our-integrity.” (Jer 33:15-16)

The hope that fills our hearts will gives the courage and boldness to practice “honesty and integrity” and to work for justice and peace in the land.

Psalm 25:8-10,14

The Lord is good and upright.

He shows the path to those who stray,

He guides the humble in the right path,

He teaches his way to the poor.

His ways are faithfulness and love

for those who keep his covenant and law.

The Lord’s friendship 

is for those who revere him;

to them he reveals his covenant.