[Greek] παρουσία (parousia), [Latin] adventus, [Latin] praesentia, [French] arrivee: presence, arrival, advent, being in person; 24 scriptural references
Commemorative Advent coins were minted and merch was sold in celebration of the emperor coming to cities.
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means presence, arrival, occasion, advent, and assistance. This term is found in the arrival and celebration of an emperor, ruler, or military leader. Localities sometimes would undertake infrastructure building projects in preparation for this event. Advent coins were produced in commemoration of the visit of this leader.
Sophocles’ Ajax 50: “Then why is his presence delayed?”
Sophocles’ Electra 948: “Hades has taken our friends away, and we two are left alone.”
Eurpides’ Hecuba 227: “Recognize the limits of your strength, and presence of your troubles. Even in adversity it is wise to yield to reason’s dictates.”
New Testament: This term means coming, arrival, and presence. This term generally refers to the second coming (advent) of Christ. This idea of the coming of Christ in Messianic glory made its way into primitive Christianity with Paul.
Scripture:
Mt.24:3: What sign will there be of your coming?
Mt.24:27: Just as lightning comes from the east and seen as far as the west, so will the coming of the Son of Man
Mt.24:37: As it was in the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man
2Cor.10:10: Paul’s letters are severe and forceful, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible
Php.2:12: All the more when I am absent, work out your salvation with fear and trembling
1Thess.2:19: What is our hope, joy, or crown if you are not in the presence of our Lord Jesus at His coming?
Jas.5:7: Be patient until the coming of the Lord
3Pet.3:3-4: Scoffers will come, living according to their own desires, and saying, ‘Where is the promise of His coming?’
St. Pope Gregory the Great’s Homily on Advent (590 A.D): This homily, reflecting on Lk. 21:25-33 and Lk.21:10-11, addressed the current societal, environmental, and spiritual calamities of the time. Records of this homily still remains! This homily is often referenced to the first week in Advent.
What were the problems of this time?
- Plagues and epidemics
- Wars and bloodshed
- Paganism
- Arianism (a heresy of the nature of God)
- Simony (buying or selling of a spiritual benefits)
- Donatism (a heresy of the priest’s faculties)
- Manichaenism (a heresy of the nature of God)
Conclusion:
Advent, arrival, arrive, present, presence
It was interesting to discover that this term has its beginning with the arrival of emperors, ruler and military leaders. This takes on a quasi/religious/secular sense regarding the visit of the emperor. The emperor was often seen as divine. One can easily imagine vendors, concession stands, merch, and commemorative coins associated with these visits.
Jesus also can be seen as a royal leader being welcomed by the people.
The coming of the Son of Man will be unexpected, yet clear to all.
Paul reminds us to remain faithful even when others are not present. Our rejoicing only remains when we are in His presence.
St. Pope Gregory the Great reminds that we are not alone in when facing both societal and spiritual crises (heresies and schism).
Update: In light of the removal of faithful clergy, we must remain faithful to Jesus’ Church.
We also must pray that cardinals, bishops, and priests will become present (in making their voices known in supporting these removed (cancelled) clergy.
We all must remain faithful in spite of scoffers (both outside and within the Church) mocking the teachings and traditions of Jesus’ Church.
Even when there is division and turmoil in Jesus’ Church, we must remain in Jesus’ presence and remain in His Church.