FIRST WEEKEND

First Advent Sunday Encounter Jesus Not as Stringent Judge but as Good Shepherd

And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. But when these signs begin to happen, stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand ... Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life, and that day catch you by surprise like a trap. For that day will assault everyone who lives on the face of the earth. Be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent and to stand before the Son of Man. (Luke 21:25–36)

By many rituals and customs, like blessing the Advent wreath and candles, we make the best use of them to show our longing and hoping for Jesus's coming both in our hearts and in the daily events — not only this holy season of beginning the liturgical year, but also throughout our lifetime.

"Who is this Jesus for whom we are eagerly waiting?" is the question we meditate on this first weekend and try to get the answer to. First of all, in the light of scriptures and Christian tradition, we are inspired to believe that the one for whom we are waiting is not an ordinary leader as the secular world defines. Nor is he a prophet (Nabi), as our Islamic brethren consider, or one of the many incarnations of God, as our Hinduistic friends uphold. Rather, he is a person who is named Jesus Christ, the Son of God and the Lord of the universe.

In the midst of the trials and perils troubling Israel, Prophet Jeremiah was sent by God to encourage and console his people with an oracle about the wonderful days when all his promises would be fulfilled