Fr. Franco's Letters

Advent means coming. As we approach the end of the Church’s liturgical year and re-begin Advent, our readings focus on the coming of the Lord-both his return in glory and his birth on earth. The Church does this to remind us to be perpetually ready for his coming and even longing for it.

Not surprisingly, the final chapter of the Bible speaks of the coming of Jesus. “Behold, I am coming soon. I bring with me the recompense I will give to each according to his deeds…” (Revelation 22:12) and The One who gives this testimony says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen! Come, Lord Jesus! (Revelation 22:20) These verses highlight the promise of the Lord’s return and the eagerness of the Church, longing for His coming.

Of course, the word “soon” is somewhat relative. St. John, in his first letter, makes this point with even stronger language: My children, it is the last hour…(1 John 2:18a) From our time bound perspective, many hours, days, months, years and generations have passed since these statements were made. However, from the eternal perspectives, those large swaths of time are as a blink of an eye.

That the final chapter of the final book of the Bible speaks of the second coming of the Lord, tells us of the vibrant faith and loving longing that the early Church had for the return of Jesus Christ. And through the centuries the Church has proclaimed the return of the Lord in glory and power on the Last Day. Unfortunately, many Christians in our day have become quite comfortable with this world. Longing for Christ’s return has waned. Desire for a comfortable life has dampened our longing for the coming of the Lord in glory. What’s the cure for this spiritual lethargy?

In that same chapter of the Bible, a different coming is described.

The Spirit and the bride say, “Come.” Let the hearer say, “Come.” Let the one who thirsts come forward, and the one who wants it receive the gift of life-giving water. (Revelation 22:17)

This verse was part of an explanatory brochure I received when I made a Life in the Spirit Seminar weekend retreat in April of 1975. It describes the invitation issued by the bride (the Church animated by the Holy Spirit) to non-believers, inviting them to come and find life in the person of the Holy Spirit, the river of life-giving water, sparkling like crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the street. (Revelation 22:1-2a)

So yes, the early Church desired the coming of the Lord. However, God’s people also issued forth an invitation to unbelievers and the lukewarm. Anyone, moved by grace, could come to Jesus Christ. By Baptism and faith, they could drink of that life-giving stream and quench their thirst for purpose, forgiveness, love, God!

Curing the spiritual lethargy of our time means offering a compelling presentation of the gospel to our distracted and spiritually benumbed world. Here are three aspects that can make our invitation to come to the Lord more compelling.

Compelling manner of life: I read a booklet called True Discipleship shortly after my conversion. I found one line particularly striking and challenging. If Christ is worth anything, He is worth everything. Faith in Jesus Christ is not merely one more layer of insulation to make us comfortable on our earthly journey. The Holy Spirit inspires a manner of life that is happily sacrificial and radical. Imbibing in the Spirit transforms us into being self-forgetful disciples, unashamed of our faith, joyfully serving others.

Compelling message: Many people do not know why they exist. They are aimless and have no real hope. We believe that life has purpose and how we live our lives has temporal and eternal consequences. Jesus Christ, crucified and raised from the dead, is good news that demands a response. Responding to the gospel moves people out of the realm of eternal death into the Kingdom of light. This was the message of Peter on the day of Pentecost. After preaching the gospel, Peter continued to exhort his hearers: “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” (Acts 2:40) Only Jesus Christ delivers us from sin and death. The Church needs to make this clear.

Compelling manifestations of God: One of the surprises of the 20th century is the widespread reappearance of the charisms of the Spirit. Gifts of power (miracles and healing) and revelation (prophecy and words of knowledge) back up the gospel message. They demonstrate God’s compassion and make the gospel message more compelling. Signs and wonders can move people out of their lethargy and into a more vibrant response to Christ.

As we approach Advent, let us remember that this season is not merely a time to prepare us for an elaborate gift exchange on Christmas Day. It is the season to prepare us for the coming of the Lord. It is also a time for us to invite people to come to the Lord. The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” Jesus came to save us and gather us to himself. All people need to respond. Ultimately, this is a season of hope.

We must not yield to discouragement. A trite and somewhat faded adage reads, You can lead a horse to water, but you cannot make it drink. The same goes for the drinking of the water of life. Yet, as the Bride of Christ, we must keep crying out with the Spirit, Come! If we do so, there will be those who come. And because we continue to offer the invitation, we will be ready when He comes!