A Meditation on the Epistle and Gospel of the First Sunday of Advent
The season of Advent inaugurates the Church’s liturgical year with a call to vigilance and preparation. The readings of the First Sunday of Advent offer a profound meditation on the dual comings of Christ—His first coming in humility at the Nativity, and His second coming in majesty at the end of time. Both the Epistle from St. Paul to the Romans (Rom 13:11-14) and the Gospel from St. Luke (Luke 21:25-33) emphasize the urgency of conversion and the hope of redemption, making them foundational texts for Advent reflection.
The Epistle: Clothing in Christ
St. Paul’s exhortation in Romans 13:11-14 is a stirring wake-up call: “Now it is the hour for us to rise from sleep, because now our salvation is nearer than when we came to believe” (Rom 13:11). The Apostle challenges his readers to recognize the nearness of salvation and to respond by casting off the “works of darkness” and putting on “the armor of light.” This imagery resonates deeply with the Advent season, which calls Christians to spiritual renewal and preparation for the coming of Christ.
The Urgency of Conversion
St. Augustine provides a vivid commentary on this passage, drawing from his own experience of conversion. In his Confessions, he recounts how this very passage struck him during his moment of crisis: “Take and read; take and read” (Confessions, 8.12.29). Upon reading St. Paul’s words, Augustine’s heart was set aflame, and he resolved to cast off his former life of sin. He interprets the call to awaken from sleep as a summons to break free from the inertia of sin and complacency: “For now the night of infidelity is over, and the day of faith is shining.”
St. Gregory the Great expands on this theme of urgency in his homilies: “Whoever is negligent in his conduct and does not strive to live according to God’s commandments sleeps the sleep of death. To rise from sleep is to abandon sloth and strive for the good works that lead to life” (Homilies on the Gospels, 1.9). Advent, then, is a time to awaken from spiritual lethargy and embrace the light of Christ.
The Armor of Light
The metaphor of the “armor of light” evokes both spiritual protection and active virtue. St. John Chrysostom explains that this armor equips believers to resist sin and pursue holiness: “The armor of light is the work of righteousness. Just as soldiers wear armor to protect their bodies, so too should we arm ourselves with virtues that guard our souls” (Homilies on Romans, 24). This armor is not merely defensive but transformative, enabling Christians to live in a manner befitting the children of light.
To “put on the Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom 13:14) is the culmination of St. Paul’s exhortation. St. Cyril of Jerusalem describes this act as the essence of baptismal grace: “As many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ” (Catechetical Lectures, 21.3). This Advent, the call to “put on Christ” invites believers to renew their baptismal commitment by conforming their lives ever more closely to the pattern of Christ’s virtues.
The Gospel: Signs of Redemption and the Coming of Christ
The Gospel passage from St. Luke presents a dramatic vision of cosmic upheaval and the glorious return of the Son of Man. Jesus warns of distress among nations, signs in the heavens, and the shaking of the powers of heaven. Yet, amid this turmoil, He offers a message of hope: “When these things begin to come to pass, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is at hand” (Luke 21:28).
Cosmic Signs and Spiritual Realities
The Fathers of the Church often interpreted these signs both literally and allegorically. St. Augustine suggests that the sun, moon, and stars represent earthly powers and spiritual leaders, whose fall signals the passing away of temporal authority: “The sun will be darkened, the moon will lose its light, and the stars will fall from heaven. All these signify the end of earthly kingdoms and the coming of Christ’s eternal reign” (City of God, 20.30). Thus, the Gospel calls believers to place their trust not in earthly structures but in the unshakable kingdom of God.
St. Gregory the Great sees in the roaring of the sea and waves a metaphor for the restless agitation of human hearts. He writes: “The sea signifies the nations of the world, which roar with the tumult of sins and are tossed by the storms of temptation” (Homilies on the Gospels, 1.10). Advent invites us to still the storms within our hearts through prayer and repentance, preparing a place of peace for the coming of the Prince of Peace.
The Coming of the Son of Man
The vision of the Son of Man coming on a cloud with power and majesty recalls the prophecy of Daniel: “Behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man” (Dan 7:13). St. Jerome highlights the fulfillment of this prophecy in Christ’s second coming: “The Son of Man will come as judge, not in the humility of His first coming but in the glory of His eternal reign” (Commentary on Daniel, 7.13).
Advent, therefore, is a time of joyful anticipation. St. Basil the Great emphasizes that the believer should not fear the Day of the Lord but welcome it with confidence: “The righteous man awaits the coming of Christ with joy, knowing that his redemption is near” (On the Holy Spirit, 15.36). This hope is central to the Advent message, reminding us that Christ’s return will bring not destruction but fulfillment.
The Fig Tree and the Certainty of God’s Word
Jesus uses the parable of the fig tree to teach that the signs of the times are as discernible as the budding of leaves in spring. St. Ephrem the Syrian reflects on this imagery, comparing the budding tree to the Church: “When the Church flourishes in virtue and faith, it reveals the nearness of God’s kingdom” (Commentary on the Diatessaron, 19.2). This Advent, the faithful are called to bear spiritual fruit, living lives that manifest the presence of God’s kingdom.
The Gospel concludes with a powerful assurance: “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away” (Luke 21:33). St. Leo the Great extols the permanence of Christ’s word: “What Christ has promised will be fulfilled without fail, for His word is truth and His power is infinite” (Sermon 28.3). In a world of uncertainty, the enduring truth of Christ’s words is a firm foundation for faith.
Advent: A Season of Hope and Renewal
The themes of the Epistle and Gospel converge in the Advent call to vigilance, repentance, and hope. St. Augustine beautifully captures this spirit: “Let us conduct ourselves in a manner befitting the season of Advent, not as if Christ were coming far off in time, but as though He is coming today” (Sermon 185). Advent is not merely a preparation for the historical celebration of Christmas; it is a spiritual journey toward the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promises.
Practical Applications for Advent
1. Awake from Spiritual Slumber: Reflect on areas of spiritual lethargy and renew your commitment to prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.
2. Put on the Armor of Light: Embrace virtues such as humility, charity, and patience, allowing the light of Christ to shine through your actions.
3. Lift Up Your Heads: Amid the challenges of life, maintain hope in the promise of redemption, trusting in the unfailing word of Christ.
4. Discern the Signs of the Times: Examine the movements of your heart and the world around you, seeking to align your life with God’s will.
A Concluding Prayer
While St. Ephrem the Syrian did not compose specific prayers for the season of Advent (as Advent as a liturgical season developed in the Western Church later), his poetic and theological writings often focus on themes highly suitable for Advent: the Incarnation, Christ's coming, and the anticipation of salvation. These themes resonate deeply with the spirit of Advent, making his works spiritually enriching for this season.
Glory to Your coming that restored mankind to life!
Glory to the silence that spoke out loud!
Glory to the Spirit who spoke through His prophets!
Glory to the womb that carried Him and the bosom that nourished Him!
Glory to the manger that received Him and the straw that embraced Him!
Glory to the Father who sent Him for our sake!
Blessed is He who became a child for our sake while remaining the hidden Mighty One!
A Hymn on the Nativity
This hymn reflects Ephrem’s characteristic wonder at the mystery of Christ's coming, an awe fitting for the Advent season. His works remind us of the humility and majesty of Christ, stirring the heart to prepare for His arrival with repentance and hope. We pray:
“O Lord, stir up our hearts this Advent season, that we may be vigilant in preparing for Your coming. May the light of Your grace dispel the darkness of sin, and may we be found ready to greet You with joy when You come in glory. Amen.”
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