On the first Sunday in Advent our scriptures “come out fighting”. The “festive” season is gathering momentum. Those with means are tempted to over-eat and over-spend. Those without means are tempted to give in to despondency. The Gospel lesson warns: “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap” (Luke 21:34).
Both dissipation and despondency are the fruit of despair. Paul exposes the despair at the heart of overindulgence: “If the dead are not raised, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die” (1 Cor. 32:b). Theologians see despair as the origin of all sins[1].
But, praise God, we have been rescued from sin! Jesus is risen and we are therefore a people of hope!
In the resurrection of Jesus, God commenced the creation of a new heavens and a new earth. This Advent may you and I receive strength to resist despair and inspiration to live as people of hope.
God Bless, Sean
[1] Moltmann, Jurgen. Theology of Hope. 1st Fortress Press ed edition. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 1993, pg 121.