The end of a year is always tied to the beginning of a new one: when this happens, we often reflect on the value of time and life itself. Our lives are made up of time, so time is very important to us. How many times have we said that time flies, yet, on the other hand, we often live as if this is not true, as if time will never pass; and what a big mistake that is. Perhaps someone might say, now that Christmas is approaching, why are we reflecting on the fact that life passes and that the Lord will come again? If we allow ourselves to be consumed by the mentality of consumerism—that business-oriented mindset focused on selling, driving us into a frenzy of shopping and materialism from mid-November—then January will come, and our joy will vanish with the Christmas decorations. Today, the Church wants to remind us that we need Advent in our lives, and without it, we cannot celebrate Christmas in a Christian way.
The Church begins and ends its year on the same note: the Lord is coming. In today’s first reading from the book of the prophet Jeremiah, the Lord tells us that He will fulfil the good He promised to His people. "I will raise up for David a righteous branch, a man who will execute justice and righteousness…". Because of the Lord’s Promised One, God’s people can live in peace. Jesus is the proclaimed Saviour who has come and who will come again; He is the one who brings salvation to all peoples.
Before the coming of the Lord, we prayed through the Psalm: "Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths… He guides sinners along His way." In life, it is so easy to lose the way, and every one of us has experienced it; we have not only lost the way individually but, as humanity, without the Lord, we are all lost. It is through His Word that the Lord shows us the one true Way that leads to life. The Lord is calling us back, to come to Him once more.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus shows us that this world, with its good and bad, will eventually come to an end. Therefore, how foolish is the person who clings too tightly to it? He reminds us that He will come again to judge everyone. This should not be a cause of fear for His chosen ones. On the contrary, He says to us, "Stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near." Yet He warns us, "Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap." What wisdom from heaven; are these not the two great challenges of our time—excessive stress and worry about earthly matters, and alienation through overindulgence in food, drink, and pleasures? And what solution does God’s Word offer us? "Be watchful" and "pray at all times." St Paul adds, "May the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all." This is what Advent should mean for us.
So, whoever does not want the joy of this season to vanish with Christmas must find time to stay awake by praying, reflecting on God’s Word, and showing love to everyone, especially those who lack everything. Let us ask ourselves: How much time do I give myself to reflect on the true value of time? Do I use worldly distractions to avoid thinking about the fact that this world and my life will pass? How deeply do I believe that in Jesus alone, I find the true meaning of my life?
At the start of this Advent, Lord, we ask You to be with us on this journey so that we are not distracted by the things of this world but remember that in You alone lies what we truly need, and we can understand this only if we never stop being watchful and praying. Amen.