SUNDAY GOSPEL SERMONS - DEC 1, 2024

Luke 21:25-28, 34-36

“Stand Firm, for Your Redemption is Near”

By Ulysses Ybiernas | December 1, 2024

The Gospel Reading

25 'There will be signs in the sun and moon and stars; on earth nations in agony, bewildered by the turmoil of the ocean and its waves; 26 men fainting away with terror and fear at what menaces the world, for the powers of heaven will be shaken. 27 And then they will see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 When these things begin to take place, stand erect, hold your heads high, because your liberation is near at hand.' 34 'Watch yourselves, or your hearts will be coarsened by debauchery and drunkenness and the cares of life, and that day will come upon you unexpectedly, 35 like a trap. For it will come down on all those living on the face of the earth. 36 Stay awake, praying at all times for the strength to survive all that is going to happen, and to hold your ground before the Son of man.' "

THE SERMON

Beloved brothers and sisters in Christ,

Today, we begin a new liturgical year with the First Sunday of Advent. Advent is a season of hope, anticipation, and preparation, not just for Christmas but also for the coming of our Lord in glory. The Gospel today speaks of signs in the heavens, turmoil on earth, and a call to vigilance. It is a challenging yet hopeful reminder that even in chaos, we are invited to stand firm because our redemption is near.

Jesus describes unsettling events: nations in distress, roaring waves, and people gripped by fear. These words resonate with the world we see today—wars, natural disasters, and societal unrest. Yet, as disciples of Christ, we are not called to despair.

These signs are not the end but a beginning. They signal the coming of the Son of Man in glory. Jesus invites us to see beyond the chaos and recognize that God’s plan is unfolding. In the midst of uncertainty, our faith anchors us in hope.

Let us ask ourselves: Do we see God’s hand at work even in difficult times? Do we look to His promises rather than being overwhelmed by fear?

“When these things begin to take place, stand erect, hold your heads high, because your liberation is near at hand.”

What a powerful instruction! Instead of succumbing to fear, we are called to rise with confidence. This is not arrogance but the boldness of those who trust in God’s faithfulness.

Standing erect means living as people of integrity. Holding our heads high means keeping our eyes fixed on Christ. During Advent, we are reminded to prepare spiritually, not just for Christmas festivities, but for the day we meet the Lord face to face.

Let us reflect: Are we standing firm in our faith, or are we weighed down by distractions and worries?

In the second part of the Gospel, Jesus warns against complacency. He mentions the dangers of “debauchery, drunkenness, and the cares of life.” These are not just extreme sins but also the subtle distractions that draw us away from God.

To “stay awake” means to be spiritually alert, keeping our hearts open to God’s voice. It means praying constantly for strength, for the courage to persevere, and for the grace to stand before the Son of Man.

As we light the first candle of the Advent wreath, let it remind us to illuminate our hearts with prayer and attentiveness. Let it remind us to prepare not just our homes but our souls for Christ’s coming.

Dear friends, Advent is not a time of passive waiting but of active preparation. Like the watchman awaiting dawn, we live in hope and readiness. Christ’s coming, whether at the end of time or in the quiet moments of our lives, should find us standing firm, unshaken by fear, and rooted in prayer.

Let us remember His promise: “Your liberation is near at hand.” May this Advent be a time of renewed hope and faith as we await the glorious return of our Savior.

May this sermon inspire your congregation and prepare their hearts for the season of Advent!

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