In a few days, we shall be welcomed into a new season. Days ago, we celebrated the last Sunday in the Catholic Church's liturgical year; The Solemnity of Jesus Christ, King of the Universe (the 34th Sunday in Ordinary Time, but usually not said this way). We are set to begin a new year based on the Church's liturgical year, from which we draw many lessons and indications, vital for spiritual, political, and socio-economic well-being. With Advent in 2020, we shall be ushered into YEAR B.
Advent is the season in focus. From Adventus (ad-venio, to come to), Advent is a season of the Church's greatest expectation, for having laboured in “Babylon”, subjected to sin, torture and brutalities of God's opponent, the Church anticipates the birth of a Redeemer. Within this time, we unite with Israelites, who up to date, await the birth of the Messiah, the expected sign of freedom from oppression and foreign governance, based on Ancient Israel political atmosphere.
Advent helps us to doubly reflect on two moments; beginning of life and end of life.
The first concerns the birth of Christ, and the second coils around the eschatology, the final things, our end, particularly what we term 'The Parousia', the Second Coming of Christ. Accompanying this is the issue of judgment. The first Three Sundays emphasize the issue of the Parousia, the Second Coming, while the last week stresses that which is immediate, the Nativity of Our Lord (popularly, Christmas).
The third Sunday of Advent is called Gaudete Sunday, taking cue from the very first words of the Entrance Antiphon of that particular Sunday which reads: “Rejoice in the Lord always...”. Gaudete means Rejoice. This is quite imperative. The colour for this Sunday is Rose or Violet. Rose because, our Violet, the colour of expectation has been tainted with the colour of joy, white. This means our joy is almost full.
However, the Scripture readings at Mass shall largely employ Isaiah for the first reading in the first three Sundays, while 2 Samuel shall keep our focus on the inheritance of an eternal Kingdom by the descendants of David, with the issue of Kingship and Royalty at heart.
Liturgically, we should be reminded of few things to help us keep our focus on the Church's universal theme of preparation and expectation.
Gloria in Excelsis Deo (Glory to God in the highest) is neither said nor sung to keep up the mood of expectation. We shall sing it at the Vigil Mass on the 24th of December.
Liturgical songs are advised to be in line with the Season as it has always been the case.
Drumming, Dancing should be in moderation. Fullness of joy will appear at Christmas. Let's reserve them and meet Christ amid dancing, accompanied by “flutes and pipes”.
Finally, to mark the Sundays of Advent, advent wreaths ought to be nicely prepared, situated at a place where everyone can see it, usually on the Sanctuary near the Altar or even near the Sanctuary, provided everyone is able to see it. Four candles are placed in it, and a candle is lit on every Sunday of Advent. Perfectly, Violet and Rose candles clearly bring out the meaning of what we do.
Thanks and let's keep up with the season with zeal to focus on our end and Christ's birth. Let's endeavour to frequent confession, receive the Eucharist, read and mediate on Scripture, attend devotions, especially in the season of Advent.
Maranatha, Come Lord
Comments
Post a Comment