During the end of Liturgical Year and beginning of Advent the readings focus on the end times. This is because the Church desires us to reflect both on the humble first coming of Christ as a baby as well as His glorious second coming as King and Judge.
Death as a Motivator
First, why does the Church think it is important for us to reflect on the end times? Well, death is a powerful motivator and helps put things into perspective and properly order our priorities. When we recognize our actions have eternal consequences, it is much easier to do the right thing. If you knew you were going to die soon, you would be much more likely to make the time to pray, go to confession, etc. This is why many saints say memento mori which means remember your death.
Correct View of God
Second, it’s also interesting to reflect on why the Church pairs the two comings of Christ. One of the main reasons, I believe, is so that we have a correct view of God. When Adam and Eve chose to sin in the garden, they chose to trust the serpent/devil over God. Our Lord’s answer to Adam and Eve’s sin and lack of trust is to become a baby and die for our sins. How good God is that He did this to save us and draw us closer to Him! God desires us to see Him as our loving Father, and tell Him our sorrows, joys, and hopes. St. John Chrysostom says: “He despiseth not petitions, He tires not but when thou art silent.” At the same time, though, the Church desires us to recognize that we will be judged by Christ, and if we refuse to accept His mercy we could be separated from God forever. There is a balance between God being our loving Father and Judge, and we must take incredibly seriously every grace He gives us to draw closer to Him and prioritize Him above all else.
Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving
As Advent approaches in a few days, I ask you to prayerfully consider what you would like to offer the baby Jesus during this penitential season. I encourage you to consider doing something in all three of the Church’s typical pillars for Advent/Lent: Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving. The more serious we take this season, the more joyful Christmas will be! If there is some sin or attachment you have been struggling with, remember eternity and use this season to rid yourself of it!
