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1st Sunday Advent (A)
Is 2:1-5
The reading is part of a collection of oracles, introducing themes of future divine intervention, Jerusalem’s significance, and universal peace. It highlights the temple’s exalted status, universal recognition of Yahweh, and a peaceful end era where weapons become tools, emphasizing harmony amidst Judah’s history of sinfulness.
Rom 13:11 – 14
Paul is exhortation to alertness highlights urging vigilance with metaphors of awakening, day and night, and armor to live morally in the salvation hour. Drowsiness in evil (v13) belongs to darkness. With Christ’s return imminent (v12), believers are prepared like soldiers, clothed in Christ, who continually combat sinful desires (v14).
Mt 24:37 – 44
This parable (found also in Lk 17:26-27, 34-35), emphasizes constant vigilance due to the suddenness of the flood in Genesis and the coming of the Lord (vv37, 39). It contrasts two men in the field—one entering the kingdom, the other facing reprobation—highlighting the unpredictable moment of His return (v42). The comparison of the “day of the Lord” to a thief (1 Thes 5:2-4; 2 Pet 3:10) underscores the secret, unexpected nature of Christ’s return, stressing the importance of alertness in the New Testament ethic.
As we begin another liturgical year, the season of Advent affords us the opportunity to reflect on the longing and hope that preceded Christ’s birth, just as it beckons us to look forward to Christ’s return at history’s end. Paul’s exhortation to alertness complements the gospel as it highlights the extent to which Christian moral posture actually rests on future hope.
