Today is the First Sunday of Advent, a word meaning “coming” or “arrival.” Our First Reading today speaks of the coming of Jesus, our King and Saviour, which we anticipate and prepare for in these four weeks of Advent. Yet, today’s Gospel speaks in ominous terms about the end of the world, and what we refer to as the Second coming of Jesus, at the end of time. However, the Third coming is the indispensable link between the First and Second Comings. It is the welcoming of Jesus into our lives in the here and now. This is something which takes place every day. By it, we both acknowledge the First Coming of Jesus in Bethlehem, and prepare for the Second Coming, at an unknown future date.
Jesus came to us in Bethlehem to renew the world in love and justice. Christ will come again to fulfil God’s promise of love and justice.