TWO
ADVENTS
There
are two Advents of Christ, His first coming on Christmas Day and His second
coming at the end of the world, celebrated as Christ the King. And there are
two preparations for His two comings, one called Advent and the other is
eschatological.
The
first coming of Christ came slowly; the world had to be prepared very well
so that Christ could not have come earlier. The second coming, which is
either each one's personal death or the glorious end of the world comes
suddenly and without warning.
Since
Christ had already come the first time, it is futile to learn how to prepare
for this coming. So the liturgy of the Catholic Church combines Advent and
the Sundays prior to Christ the King to teach the faithful how to prepare
for death and the second coming of Christ.
The
way to prepare for one's personal death and the end of the world is the
same, except for a slight difference: more preparation is needed for
Christ's second coming due to the catastrophes incumbent with such an
event.
The
33rd Sunday's Gospel, year C, for instance, describes the prevalence of
false teachers during the end times. "Take care not to be deceived
because many will come using my name. Refuse to join them." These false
teachers tend to tickle the ears of their hearer by forbidding a few easy
things but allowing the desires of their passions and vices. By their
attractive teachings they will attract many away from the Catholic
Faith.
St.
Thomas Aquinas
(08-12-02)
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