A Reflection on 2 Timothy 4:1-8 and Matthew 5:13-19 in the Spirit of Sabbato infra Hebdomadam I Adventus
The Advent season beckons us to prepare our hearts and souls for the coming of the Lord—both in His Nativity and His final return. The readings for Sabbato infra Hebdomadam I Adventus offer a profound meditation on our role as bearers of the Gospel and witnesses to Christ in a darkened world. Drawing from the wisdom of 2 Timothy 4:1-8 and Matthew 5:13-19, we are called to steadfastness in proclaiming the truth and illuminating the world through holiness and fidelity.
“Preach the Word in Season and Out of Season” (2 Tim. 4:2)
St. Paul’s charge to Timothy resonates with urgency: “Proclaim the word; be persistent whether it is convenient or inconvenient” (2 Tim. 4:2). Here, Paul speaks not only to Timothy but to all the faithful, urging them to uphold and teach the Gospel without compromise. This is especially poignant during Advent, a time of both joy and penance.
The Advent liturgy reminds us of Christ’s twofold coming: first in humility at Bethlehem and again in glory at the end of time. St. Cyril of Jerusalem writes, “We preach not one coming, but a second also, far more glorious than the former… at the first, He was wrapped in swaddling clothes; in the second, He is clothed with light as with a garment” (Catechetical Lectures, 15). St. Paul’s exhortation reminds us that we, like Timothy, must prepare for this glorious return by proclaiming the truth unwaveringly.
To “fulfill your ministry” (2 Tim. 4:5), as Paul urges, means to embrace our unique calling. Whether as clergy or laity, we participate in the Church’s mission to evangelize. St. John Chrysostom notes, “It is not enough to merely receive the truth; we must labor to spread it among others” (Homilies on Timothy). This is particularly urgent in our age, where relativism and moral confusion abound.
“You Are the Light of the World” (Matt. 5:14)
In the Gospel, Christ declares that His followers are “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world.” Salt preserves and flavors, while light dispels darkness. These metaphors underline the Christian’s role in preserving the truth and illuminating the path to God through good works and holy living.
Advent is a season of light breaking into darkness, mirroring the words of St. Ambrose: “Christ is the true light who removes the darkness of this world; let us hasten to be enlightened by Him” (Exposition of the Gospel of Luke, 2). Yet Christ’s light must shine through us, as we are His instruments.
St. Augustine explains, “The Church, though often obscured by sin, remains the city set on a hill, proclaiming the unchanging truth of Christ to the nations” (Sermon 96). This Advent, we are reminded that our witness matters. By living the Beatitudes, fulfilling the law of charity, and obeying God’s commandments, we give glory to our heavenly Father and draw others to Him (Matt. 5:16).
Fulfilling the Law and Prophets
Christ insists in Matthew 5:17 that He came not to abolish the law but to fulfill it. This fulfillment is seen in the Advent mystery: the Word made flesh to redeem fallen humanity. The Church Fathers often emphasize that fidelity to God’s law is inseparable from holiness. St. Gregory the Great exhorts, “Whoever, therefore, neglects to live according to God’s commandments, even if he teaches others, forfeits the title of light” (Homilies on the Gospels, 5).
We are called to keep the faith whole and undefiled, as the Apostle Paul exemplified, declaring, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Tim. 4:7). Advent invites us to examine our lives: Are we persevering in prayer, charity, and fidelity? Are we ready to meet the Lord, confident in His mercy but mindful of His justice?
Living the Advent Witness
The readings for Sabbato infra Hebdomadam I Adventus challenge us to be both preachers of the Word and luminous witnesses to the world. Like Timothy, we must courageously defend the truth, and like the saints, we must radiate the light of Christ.
This Advent, let us renew our commitment to holiness, asking for the intercession of the saints who have gone before us. May the words of St. Ephrem the Syrian inspire us: “Blessed is the one who works in the vineyard of Christ, and whose lamp shines brightly when the Bridegroom comes” (Hymns on the Nativity, 4). In this way, we can truly fulfill our vocation as salt and light, preparing ourselves and others for the glorious coming of our Savior.
Maranatha—Come, Lord Jesus!