The readings for Feria V infra Hebdomadam I Adventus—Romans 13:11-14 and Luke 21:25-33—call us to spiritual vigilance and hope. These passages remind us of the immediacy of Christ’s coming and the urgent need to prepare our hearts. Drawing from the wisdom of the Church Fathers, we explore how these Scriptures inspire us to live in anticipation of the Lord’s return, shedding the works of darkness and embracing the light of Christ.
Romans 13:11-14: The Hour Has Come
St. Paul exhorts us to wake from sleep, for “our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed” (Rom. 13:11). Advent is the season of this spiritual awakening, an opportune moment to examine our lives and align ourselves with God’s will.
St. Augustine reflects on this passage in Confessions (Book VIII), where his own conversion mirrors the call to cast off the deeds of darkness. He writes, “Make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires” (Rom. 13:14), emphasizing that true freedom lies in clothing ourselves with Christ and living virtuously. For Augustine, the heart’s transformation is not mere avoidance of sin but a positive pursuit of holiness.
Advent invites us to consider how we can clothe ourselves in Christ. What are the “deeds of darkness” in our lives that must be cast away? How can we grow in love, faith, and hope as we await His coming?
Luke 21:25-33: Signs of the Times
In Luke’s Gospel, Jesus foretells cosmic signs and the shaking of the heavens as harbingers of His return. These apocalyptic images can evoke fear, but Jesus assures us, “When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near” (Lk. 21:28).
St. Cyril of Alexandria encourages us to see such signs not as a source of dread but as a call to faith. In his commentary on Luke, he writes, “The tumult of creation is but the labor pains of the new world to come, the kingdom of God.” The Advent season, therefore, is not just about the first coming of Christ but also His second, where judgment is tempered by mercy and glory.
Living Advent Today
Both readings challenge us to examine how we live in the “already but not yet” of God’s kingdom. Advent is a season of metanoia, a time to turn from sin and embrace the virtues of watchfulness and hope.
St. John Chrysostom, in his homilies on Romans, speaks of spiritual alertness: “Let us not sleep as others do. To sleep is to live as if Christ’s coming were far off. To be awake is to live in His presence now.”
This Advent, we are called to a holy readiness. We prepare not out of fear but in joy, knowing that the King is near. The “armor of light” St. Paul speaks of is none other than the virtues of faith, hope, and love—practices that transform us into witnesses of Christ’s imminent reign.
Conclusion
As we journey through this season, let us take to heart the wisdom of the Church Fathers and the Scriptures. Awake, for salvation is near! Cast off the works of darkness and put on the Lord Jesus Christ. Look to the signs of the times with hope, for our redemption is drawing near.
May this Advent be a time of spiritual renewal and profound joy as we prepare for the Lord who is, who was, and who is to come.
Prayer
Lord, awaken our hearts this Advent. Help us to cast off sin, live in Your light, and prepare for Your glorious return. Through the intercession of Your saints, may we stand ready to welcome You, our Redeemer and King. Amen.