A REFLECTION FOR THE FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT (YEAR B).
1st Reading: Isaiah 63:16d-17; 64:1.3b-8
2nd Reading: I Corinthians 1:3-9
Gospel: Mark 13:33-37.
The season of Advent calls for the renewal of hearts and minds in the love of God towards one another. The first reading from the book of the Prophet Isaiah begins with two questions which seemingly suggest the culpability of God regarding human frailty. However, the questions are expressions of man’s internal struggles following his separation from God’s love, and they are foundational to the intended message that “God is the potter and we are the clay” as evidenced by the last sentence of the text. Taking a moment respite to imagining a clay in the hands of the potter, a docile and submissive object before the “Subject of Love” becomes apparent. Thus, the advent spirituality may be construed as that of a humble and contrite spirit before God.
We are included in Saint Paul’s gratitude to God for the believers at Corinth, since we also continue to enjoy the favor of God’s boundless grace of love through Christ in our lives as Vincentians. As vivid in the second reading, patience in waiting for the revelation of Christ is one of the implied fruits of the grace we have received. Unless we remain as a clay in the hands of the potter, it will be impossible for us to wait.
The gospel of Mark tells us that our waiting should not be devoid of watchfulness. Thus the gentleness as of a dove and the wisdom as of a serpent as enjoined us by Christ is expedient for our waiting in this season of Advent. Only the wise will submit always to the divine will of God just as the clay remains at the disposal of the potter for its molding and fashioning.
As we journey through this season of Advent, this prayer of Saint Vincent de Paul reflects a good theme for meditation; “May our Lord be in our hearts and our hearts in His.” St. Vincent de Paul (1:213).
We pray that the lord may bring us back unto Himself… (Psalm 82:4).
Augustine Abiagom, cm
Province of Nigeria.
