In the Spirit of Sabbato Quattuor Temporum in Adventu
The Ember Days of Advent call us to deeper reflection and preparation as we await the birth of Our Lord. On this Saturday of the Quattuor Temporum, the Church offers us two passages that invite meditation on the nature of the Church as the Mystical Body of Christ and the faith that binds us together in unity.
Ephesians 2:19-22 – Citizens with the Saints
“So then you are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord; in whom you also are built into it for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.”
St. Paul’s words to the Ephesians describe the Church as a spiritual edifice built upon Christ, with the apostles and prophets forming the foundation. During Advent, as we anticipate the coming of Christ, these words remind us of the mystical reality that we, too, are living stones (cf. 1 Peter 2:5) in this sacred structure.
The Church Fathers reflect profoundly on this mystery. St. Augustine, in his Commentary on the Psalms, likens the unity of the Church to the harmony of a choir: “Many voices, but one song; many members, but one body.” This unity finds its source in Christ, the cornerstone. St. Cyril of Alexandria, commenting on this passage, emphasizes that the apostles and prophets draw their strength and authority from Christ, the foundation of all truth. Without Him, the structure cannot stand.
In this season of preparation, the passage calls us to reflect on our role in the Church’s mission. Are we steadfast stones, aligned with Christ and His teaching? Or are we weak and wavering, susceptible to the storms of the world? St. Leo the Great reminds us that Advent is a time to “become temples of the Holy Spirit,” purifying ourselves to be worthy of our calling.
John 20:24-29 – The Faith of St. Thomas
“Unless I see in his hands the print of the nails, and place my finger in the mark of the nails, and place my hand in his side, I will not believe… Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.”
On this Ember Saturday, we also ponder the encounter between the Risen Christ and St. Thomas the Apostle. While St. Thomas is often labeled as “Doubting Thomas,” the Church Fathers view his struggle as a lesson in faith for all believers.
St. Gregory the Great famously remarked: “The disbelief of Thomas has done more for our faith than the faith of the other apostles.” By his doubt, Thomas demanded tangible proof of the Resurrection, and in receiving it, he proclaimed the divine truth with profound conviction: “My Lord and my God!” This exclamation is the summit of faith, recognizing both the humanity and divinity of Christ.
Advent, a season of hope, calls us to cultivate this same faith—a faith that does not depend on sight but trusts in the promises of God. St. Augustine, in his Homilies on the Gospel of John, interprets Christ’s words to Thomas as a beatitude for all future Christians. “We walk by faith, not by sight,” Augustine reminds us, drawing us into the mystery of Christ’s abiding presence in the Church, especially through the sacraments.
Unity of Faith and Hope in the Season of Advent
Both readings converge on the themes of faith and unity, which are at the heart of the Church’s liturgy for the Ember Days. These special penitential days, with their focus on fasting and prayer, were established to sanctify the seasons and draw us closer to God’s purposes.
In Ephesians, we see the Church as a spiritual family, united across time and space. In John, we witness the personal act of faith that joins us to this family. The Church Fathers remind us that the cornerstone of this unity is Christ Himself, who draws us into communion through His Incarnation and Paschal Mystery.
Practical Applications for Advent
- Build the Temple – Reflect on your role in the Church. Are you contributing to its unity and holiness, or are you a source of division? Like the apostles and prophets, we must ground ourselves in Christ, ensuring that our actions align with His teaching.
- Strengthen Your Faith – Use this time of preparation to renew your trust in Christ, even when He seems hidden. Meditate on the Eucharist as the true presence of Christ, recalling St. Thomas’s confession of faith.
- Embrace the Mystical Body – Participate in the life of the Church through the sacraments and acts of charity, recognizing your fellow believers as living stones in God’s temple.
As we journey through this sacred season, let us heed the wisdom of the Fathers and the words of Scripture, preparing ourselves to welcome Christ into the temple of our hearts. Let us be like St. Thomas, moving from doubt to faith, and like the Ephesians, standing firm on the foundation of Christ and His apostles. In this way, we prepare not only for Christmas but for the eternal coming of our Lord, when His kingdom will be fully revealed.
Blessed Advent!