This annual season of Advent in the Church invites us to a life or moment of hope, grace and freshness of spirit as we begin a new journey of grace. Advent is a moment of grace to be awake while waiting. It is a new season of waiting, preparing and being alert for the coming of the Lord.
We are not meant to live forever and the thought of dying one day can be very scary especially when there is no preparedness or hope for the end time. As Christians what gives our human existence a a sense of meaningfulness is our hope of the resurrection. Hence, amidst the uncertainty of earthly life, the Christian hope assures of a bright tomorrow.
Indeed, faith in God overcomes all fears. Biblically, Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Indeed, by faith our ancestors received approval, Hebrews 11:1. Clearly, anyone who walks or lives by faith does not only have absolute trust in God but also has no cause to be afraid.
This is because faith assures and guarantees that God is in control of all, even the most seemingly hopeless situations of our lives and the world today.
The Advent season of hope begins the new liturgical year of the Church. It offers us hope amid uncertainties of life and the time we are living. With the pandemic still lingering, it seems our hope of a better future is depicted.
The Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is a celebration of hope. A celebration of hope that God rewards his faithful servants who cooperate with him to fulfil the salvific plan of salvation. This is the reward of Mary for her faithfulness to the will of God.
The Solemnity of Ascension of the Lord is the feast of the Risen Christ with a glorified body taken up to heaven and now setting at the right hand of God forever. It is plain from Scripture that Jesus’ ascension was a literal, bodily return to heaven. He rose from the ground gradually and visibly, observed by many intent onlookers.