The liturgical season of Advent invites us to deepen our longing for Christ, the Bridegroom of the Church, through repentance and vigilance. The readings for Feria VI infra Hebdomadam II Adventus, particularly 2 Corinthians 10:17-18; 11:1-2 and Matthew 13:44-52, emphasize the proper disposition of the Christian soul as one wholly devoted to God and attentive to His reign. Drawing upon the wisdom of the Church Fathers, we uncover profound insights into these passages.
Glory in the Lord Alone: A Reflection on 2 Corinthians 10:17-18
In 2 Corinthians, St. Paul admonishes:
“Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord. For it is not the man who commends himself that is approved, but the man whom the Lord commends.”
This echoes the humility needed for true discipleship. St. Augustine reminds us that “the foundation of all virtue is humility, for without it, even the loftiest deeds are but vain pretensions” (Sermon on the Mount, I.4). Paul’s words challenge us to forsake any reliance on self-glorification. Our merits are nothing without the sanctifying grace of God.
Moreover, Paul’s description of himself as the spiritual father presenting the Corinthians as a “pure virgin” to Christ (2 Cor 11:2) underscores the bridal imagery central to Advent. The Church Fathers frequently explore this metaphor, as St. Ambrose beautifully expresses: “Christ chose the Church as His bride, spotless and unblemished, that He might cleanse her with His blood and unite her to Himself in eternal love” (De Virginibus, III.9). Thus, Advent calls each soul to purity, ready to meet the Bridegroom who comes at Christmas.
The Treasure of the Kingdom: A Reflection on Matthew 13:44-52
The Gospel parables of the hidden treasure, the pearl of great price, and the net cast into the sea compel us to examine our priorities. Each illustrates the radical joy and urgency with which the kingdom of heaven must be sought. Origen writes, “The treasure is Christ Himself, hidden in the field of the Scriptures, and only those who sell all they have—worldly attachments, sin, and pride—will uncover it” (Commentary on Matthew, XI.8).
Likewise, the pearl symbolizes the surpassing beauty of divine wisdom, which St. Gregory the Great describes as “the love of God, which is acquired through renunciation of all else” (Homilies on the Gospels, II.36). These parables confront us with Advent’s clarion call: are we willing to reorder our lives and make room for Christ?
Finally, the parable of the dragnet reveals the eschatological dimension of Advent. The net, gathering both good and bad fish, reminds us of the final judgment. St. Cyril of Jerusalem writes, “At the end of the world, the angels will separate the just from the unjust, and the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father” (Catechetical Lectures, XV.1). Advent is not merely preparation for Christmas but also for the ultimate coming of Christ as Judge.
Advent Dispositions: Purity, Humility, and Watchfulness
The thread uniting these readings is the soul’s readiness for union with God. Paul’s concern for the purity of the Corinthians mirrors Christ’s exhortation to seek the kingdom as our highest good. As St. Bernard of Clairvaux exhorts:
“The Bridegroom comes! Let us rise from our slumber and prepare our lamps, that we may run to meet Him with burning hearts.”
This Advent, let us strive for purity by frequent confession, humility by silent prayer and meditation, and watchfulness through almsgiving and fasting. These practices align us with the wise virgins, who kept their lamps full of oil.
Conclusion: A Heart Prepared
Feria VI in Advent reminds us that our true boast is in the Lord, who calls us to Himself as His beloved bride. Like the one who sells all for the treasure, may we surrender everything to gain Christ. Like the wise fisherman, may we discern what to keep and what to cast aside. In this, we find joy, for as St. Augustine writes, “Our hearts are restless until they rest in Thee” (Confessions, I.1).
With vigilant hearts, let us prepare to receive Christ anew this Advent, cherishing Him as our treasure and pearl, confident in His merciful love.