2 Timothy 4:1-8 and Matthew 5:13-19 in the Spirit of Feria IV in Advent
The season of Advent invites the faithful to prepare for the coming of the Lord, not only in the celebration of His Nativity but also in His triumphant return at the end of time. The readings for Feria IV in the first week of Advent—2 Timothy 4:1-8 and Matthew 5:13-19—resonate with this dual call to vigilance, faithfulness, and fulfillment of God’s law.
2 Timothy 4:1-8: “Preach the Word”
St. Paul’s exhortation to Timothy is both solemn and stirring: “I charge thee, before God and Christ Jesus, who shall judge the living and the dead, by his coming and his kingdom: preach the word, be instant in season and out of season.” This charge encapsulates the duty of every Christian to bear witness to Christ, regardless of circumstances. The Advent context amplifies the urgency of this mission, as we anticipate the return of the Judge who will render to each according to their deeds.
St. John Chrysostom, commenting on this passage, emphasizes the gravity of preaching as a labor of love and truth. He writes:
“Preaching is not a trivial task, for it touches souls entrusted to the shepherd’s care. It requires boldness and perseverance, especially when the truth is unwelcome to the world.”
In Advent, this call extends to the laity, reminding us that our witness must be constant, even in moments of difficulty or obscurity. Paul’s imagery of the “crown of righteousness” awaiting those who finish the race inspires hope, affirming that our perseverance has eternal significance.
Matthew 5:13-19: Salt and Light, Fulfillment of the Law
The Gospel reading underscores the transformative role of Christians in the world: “You are the salt of the earth… You are the light of the world.” These metaphors challenge us to live lives of holiness that preserve and illuminate God’s truth. Salt, as St. Augustine notes, represents wisdom and incorruption:
“Salt signifies the savor of divine wisdom, which preserves from corruption and gives flavor to the dullness of worldly life.”
Christ’s command to let our light shine before men is not a call to vanity but to the glorification of the Father. Our good works, rooted in love, become a beacon that draws others to God. As the Church awaits the Light of the World at Christmas, this Gospel calls us to be vigilant in upholding the law and teaching others to do the same. St. Hilary of Poitiers stresses that Christ’s fulfillment of the law perfects it:
“The law’s fulfillment is in the perfection of love and charity, which Christ embodied and demands of His followers.”
Advent and the Call to Faithful Witness
The interplay of these readings during Advent challenges us to embrace both personal holiness and apostolic zeal. Like Timothy, we must “fight the good fight” by clinging to truth, even when society rejects it. Like salt and light, we are called to sanctify and enlighten the world, upholding the moral and spiritual law as Christ revealed it.
The Fathers remind us that this witness flows not from our strength but from grace. As St. Ambrose teaches, “The oil of grace burns brightly in the lamps of the wise, whose vigilance makes them ready for the Bridegroom’s return.” Advent is the time to replenish this oil through prayer, repentance, and acts of charity, ensuring that we are prepared for the coming of Christ.
Conclusion: A Crown Awaits
In these readings, the Church’s Advent liturgy exhorts us to live as vigilant stewards of the Gospel. We are reminded of the crown awaiting the faithful and the profound responsibility to teach, live, and preserve the law of God. Let us, therefore, heed the words of St. Paul and Our Lord, dedicating this Advent to fervent prayer, joyful works, and the cultivation of a holy life. In doing so, we prepare not only for Christmas but for the eternal kingdom of Christ, who comes in glory to judge the living and the dead.
“Come, Lord Jesus!”