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Fr. Raymund Benedict "RB" Hizon, SJ

A familiar proverb or Latinism we used to share in the Ateneo High School was &quot;Non Habemus Tempus&quot; which translates to “We have no time.” Time flies and passes quickly and so students were encouraged to use time well and wisely. No task, we said, however little should be left undone or unattended to and more so in dealing with the things that truly counted, we had to give of ourselves even and ever more. Especially with regard to relationships with others, ourselves and with God, we were reminded, that whatever is not given is lost. We therefore knew that we had no time to lose.Today marks the beginning of a special time: the time of Advent — a four-week period of remembrance, celebration and preparation for the ‘coming’ or ‘arrival’ (Latin adventus) of Christ. Christ comes.Christ arrives in history or in time (as at Bethlehem on the first Christmas).Christ arrives in mystery at every time (as at every Mass, in every prayerful encounter, in every work of mercy and justice).Christ arrives in majesty at the end of time (as when Christ comes again at the end of all ages).Every year, the readings of Advent awaken us to Christ’s “triple” coming. The Advent Sunday Gospel for each of the four weeks follows the same thematic pattern. The first which we hear today, focuses on hope and the final coming of Christ at the end of time, urging an attitude of wakefulness and hopeful expectation. The second next week, makes us yearn for peace in the preaching of John the Baptist on preparing the way of the Lord. The third on Gaudete Sunday continues with John the Baptist&#x27;s message, with a tone of joy and rejoicing that Christmas is near. And finally, the fourth draws us in love to the events immediately preceding the Nativity, namely the annunciation and the roles of Mary and Joseph in the Christmas story.On this first Sunday of Advent, all three readings proclaim the same message: Non Habemus Tempus. We do not have time. We do not “own” time. Time moves without our bidding. Time “happens.” And because time moves on and quickly, we may not lose nor needlessly waste time lest it runs out. The promise and mystery of the extraordinary presence of God in the ordinary routines of life, in the happy surprises that come our way or even in the disastrous events that makes God’s presence so difficult to perceive “happen” every time and all the time, which is why we hope to make ready, to stay awake or else we may miss the opportunity to welcome Christ when he comes.It may happen every year, for example, that we get so caught up in the many noisy, flashy and frivolous things that lead up to Christmas so that when the day finally comes, we find ourselves just tired and spent not wanting anything else to do, but sleep — even before having had time to be fully awake!And so, Advent is a special time given to us to remember what we already know, that the Lord is coming. Non habemus tempus! Be ready and get ready! In the midst of wrapping gifts, the Christmas preparations and parties, the cooking and shopping, the eating, drinking and merry-making, we are given ample time to remember what we know. It is Jesus himself who is coming: then as a child at Christmas, now to be God-with-us in forgiveness, fellowship and grace; then, on that day of God, as Lord of all, in righteousness, justice and truth.Perhaps this gospel invites us to be like Noah this Advent: to stand in the midst of the busy world, watching and praying and giving witness to the truth by lives of giving and serving; waiting most of all, as Christmas comes, for nothing less and no one else than Christ himself. Non habemus tempus! <div> </div><div>Some points to ponder, pray over, or think about in the coming days:</div>1. Roughly a third or so of our every-day-living is spent sleeping! Our Gospel encourages us to be “watchful” and to “stay awake.” Where do my wakeful hours go? Look back through your day and see where, how and for whom you spend most of your time, your effort and your energy. As a thought-provoking ad asked some years ago, para kanino ka bumabangon?2. Beyond (or perhaps part of) preparing for the celebration of Jesus&#x27; birth on Christmas Day is becoming more alert to Christ&#x27;s coming in our day-to-day lives. Especially in this period of intentional waiting, how might I help myself and my family awaken to the “ordinary” and often unexpected arrival of Christ in our lives.3. What feelings are evoked in me when I think of Christ’s Second coming? Am I filled with doubt, fear, hope or even excitement? I ask the Lord to make me ready for his coming.

Advent opens with a simple reminder: Christ comes, again and again, into our lives. This week’s reflection urges us to stay awake, notice God’s quiet arrivals, and use this sacred season to remember what truly matters.

Advent opens with a simple reminder: Christ comes, again and again, into our lives. This week’s reflection urges us to stay awake, notice God’s quiet arrivals, and use this sacred season to remember what truly matters.

A Word on the Word: Advent begins and calls us to remember what we already know

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A Word on the Word: Advent begins and calls us to remember what we already know

Fr. Raymund Benedict "RB" Hizon,

SJ

Published November 29, 2025 09:04 PM PHT

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Updated November 30, 2025 08:00 AM PHT

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