The Three Comings of Christ - Advent 2021

We are about to enter Week Two of Advent, that time when we are preparing for the Coming of Christ the Saviour of the world. We also believe that there will be a Second Coming in which Jesus will bring to an end this order of creation and establish a new heaven and a new earth following the Day of Judgment. But did you know that there is a Third Coming which takes place in time between the First and the Second? This coming is no less real and it is happening now even as we speak. In this coming Jesus' presence is not visible but it is no less real. While we do not see Jesus' present we experience his presence working in us, in the depths of our soul, in our minds and hearts. The First Coming has taken place already in history. The Second Coming is yet to happen in the future. But today we are not alone, on our own, struggling to make sense of this life all by ourselves, Jesus is here with us now leading, guiding and protecting us through each and every day of our lives. As Jesus brought his disciples to the mountain of the Ascension to conclude his First Coming he commissioned them with these words. “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, as you go, disciple people in all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything that I’ve commanded you. And remember, I am with you each and every day until the end of the age." (Matt. 28:20) Now the Third Coming is about to begin with Pentecost and the anointing of the Church by the Holy Spirit. Jesus continues to be present and working in and through the many ministries of the the Church, especially through the sacraments.  In our popular culture Christmas is beginning to loose its meaning for true Christians; even the name is being replaced with the name 'The Holiday Season'. That is why Advent is such an important time. Yes we revisit the memories of the First Coming but let us not look on Christmas in a nostalgic way, but to be a time of Faith renewal. Jesus is truly here with us now. Let our voices now be heard: "Speak Lord, your servants are listening." + + + + + + + +  Bishop Barron has an excellent video on this same subject "LINK"

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