Advent is here! The readings for the beginning of Advent focus on the end times, which can be concerning, but Doug Jones, SJ, reflects on the joy of waiting for the Lord. Based on the readings for Sunday, November 28, 2021.
The Lord is coming soon!
Hi, I’m Doug Jones, and this is my One-Minute Reflection.
As we start Advent, our readings begin to touch on the end times, which can sound pretty scary. Jesus speaks in the Gospel about “tribulations” that will make people “die of fright” and how “that day will assault everyone.” The Son of Man will return in his glory to bring justice to the whole world.
However, the coming of the Lord is not something we necessarily need to fear.
In the first reading, the Prophet Jeremiah reminds us that this coming of the Lord will bring about the fulfillment of God’s promise to his people. It will bring safety and security, as God restores the world’s broken relationships, and heals the divisions that sin has caused.
For those who have prepared themselves to welcome the Lord, this coming of God’s justice will be cause for rejoicing, not fear. May we use this Advent to prepare ourselves by drawing closer to God and one another.
