Deacon Ron's Homily for the First Sunday of Advent : Preparing for the journey to the most joyful destination

As you can see by the purple vestments something is different.    We are now in the season of Advent, preparing for our Lord’s coming.   We start Advent with Jesus coming again in Glory, and finish getting ready for our Lord’s arrival as an infant in the most humble surroundings.  

I’d like to welcome all of our guests who have traveled here for Thanksgiving to be with us.  With Christmas just four weeks away and Spring break coming in four months I’m sure some of you are planning to go on a journey. Since we’ve had some really cold weather, I’m sure some of you are looking forward to getting out of the cold.  Maybe you’re dreaming about relaxing on the beach.  Or you may like the cold weather and are looking forward to skiing in the mountains.  Rather than a place you may be longing to see such as a grandparent or friend.   You really enjoy their company and you just can wait to be with them. Whether it’s a place where you really enjoy going, or people you really long to be with, the anticipation of getting there is where the excitement of the journey begins.  

What do we do when a trip is coming up?  As the date approaches we start counting down the days.   We tell our friends about the trip.   We get distracted from work or school by daydreaming.   We just can’t wait to get there.   Waiting and anticipating is a joyful part of the journey.

However, every journey requires some work to get ready.  We have to plan how to get there which requires studying maps or consulting our favorite search engine to find the quickest way to get there.   We may need a travel agent to guide us to the best transportation or places to stay.   We have to pack and arrange care for our pets and stopping the mail.   There’s a lot of work to do for a journey, but we make sure to take care of it because we know the destination will bring us joy.  

In the first reading the prophet Isaiah speaks of journey.   Isaiah tells us that all nations will stream toward the LORD’s Mountain.   This will be a place of peace, one that the Israelites were yearning for.  They had been under persecution, and an image of being free from persecution and strife was something they longed for.   He tells us the instruments of violence and death, spears and swords, would be turned into tools that will sustain life, pruning hooks and plowshares.  There will no longer be rising of swords and no one will train for war.    This was a vision of peace and joy, which we all yearn for.

We’re on the same journey to the LORD’s mountain, but when will it be? 

We can plan in a timely manner for Christmas and Spring break since we know when those are.  Jesus tells us: ”you don’t know the day the LORD will come.” , but we do know the Son of Man will be coming.  Since we don’t know when the Lord’s coming will be, we have to continually prepare.

How do we prepare?  Jesus tells us to stay awake or said another way, to be aware of what we are doing every day.  When we do this, Jesus’ coming in glory is one we can be ready for and look forward to with joy.   The cares of our world can wear us down, and can sidetrack us from our heavenly destination.   But if we think of the joy this destination brings, it keeps us motivated to always be ready for the journey.   Moreover, keep in mind that going to our favorite places is only temporary.  But when we get to the mountain of the LORD, we will be there forever.  Can you imagine being in your favorite place forever?

So how do we prepare to be ready every day?   This does not require us to quit our jobs, school, taking care of family, or even having fun.   Jesus told us that people continued their daily lives, eating and drinking, marrying, and working.   The difference is made through being aware of our relationship with God every day. How can we do that?

First, we need to anticipate the destination with joy, keeping in mind it will be more joyful than any of our favorite places.   This is not a journey to fear, as we will be going to the LORD’s mountain forever!

Second, using the Bible, Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth, as our map, and the Church as our GPS, which is God’s Plan for Salvation, to guide us on the right way when we get off track.

Third, packing our bags with ”the armor of Light”, by loving God and neighbor, so we can “put on the Lord Jesus Christ” as St Paul tells us. We need to leave behind works of darkness, such as petty arguments and selfish thoughts.

Fourth, praying every day. Start off and finish each day in prayer, thanking God for the gifts he’s given us, asking for help we need, and listening to were he’s guiding us.  Also pray throughout the day, even when we are on vacation, at work, or school.   It can be as simple as praying Jesus’ name throughout the day or doing good works for others in Christ’s name.

As we continue on this advent journey, let us pray that we all stay awake, alert, and be aware of our relationship with Christ every day.