Last Sunday, first week of Advent, I rendered a reflection entry about Waiting. I spiritualized it a bit. Now on a second Sunday of Advent, I want to deal with Coming. Anyway the word advent came from Adventus which literally means to come. Jesus is coming. That is the message of Advent. We have to prepare because of His coming. There are three Comings of Christ that I like to talk about because they are the theme of Advent.
1. The First Coming of Jesus as Messiah 2010 years ago. His incarnation being born of the Virgin Mary is not only commemorated but being made present by Advent. The Holy Mass is not only a remembrance but a way of making alive the Sacrifice of Jesus. So the Advent is making present again the story of Incarnation although in a very spiritual way now.
2. The Coming of Jesus into Our Hearts. The second coming of Jesus happens to each Christian personally. It can be while you are 12 or 34 or any age you are ready to accept Jesus as saviour and lord. The conversion of every Christian signifies the act of welcoming Jesus into their very lives. As of this moment you should have welcomed Him already otherwise the experience of Jesus' coming to your heart may be too late.
3. The Second Coming which Marks the End of the History. Christ will come again in glory. This we proclaim. And advent is an avenue which prepares us for that coming. We must be ready not only for Christmas or for a new way of life after receiving Jesus in our hearts. So much so, we must be ready to meet Him in the last day which we call the Parousia.
The Church, through the celebration of Advent reminds us that there are three comings of Christ we need to prepare for. Are we ready to meet Jesus for eternity?
Let us reflect on this thought as we face advent.
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