Advent and Lent are strangely similar and essentially different

In some ways, readings and prayers of the eucharistic liturgies in Advent resemble those of Lent. The liturgy at mass is toned down. As in Lent, the prayer Glory to God in the Highest is suspended. The presider wears violet vestments, indicating a time of preparation for a celebration. There are reconciliation services held in Advent, like Lent, in anticipation of a major solemnity. On the Second Sunday of Advent, the readings hint at themes that also begin the season of Lent. Noticing the similarities is helpful but identifying the differences between Advent and Lent can help one dive into this season of renewed expectation.

The readings this Sunday open with a familiar cycle. “Jerusalem, take off your robe of mourning and misery; put on the splendor of glory from God forever” (Bar 5:1). Ancient Israel was familiar with what biblical scholars call the Deuteronomic cycle: sin, punishment, repentance and return. This cycle appears repeatedly in Scripture and especially in the prophetic books. Repentance is an important theme in this Sunday's readings. The first reading from Baruch, for example, draws on the Deuteronomic cycle and calls Israel to return to God after a time of sin. Unlike in Lent, when repentance prepares the church to reflect on the passion of Christ, in Advent, themes of repentance create a space to contemplate the coming of Christ. 

This Sunday’s Gospel opens with an announcement that also begins the season of Lent. “A voice of one crying out in the desert,” writes Luke, quoting from Isaiah, “Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths” (Lk 3:4). The announcement refers to Jesus’ sudden appearance in human history, as the messenger John the Baptist anticipates the event. Whereas in Lent the focus falls on “make straight his paths” in Advent the same passage is meant to inspire anticipation rather than restoration of a fallen people.

Repentance and reconciliation have a role to play in Lent as well as Advent. But the distinction between the two seasons becomes clear in this Sunday’s second reading. “This is my prayer,” says Paul, “that your love may increase ever more and more in knowledge and every kind of perception, to discern what is of value” (Phil 1:9-10). Paul, with the season, is inviting the faithful to pay attention to what is happening in the wider world and not simply to their own personal sinfulness. Paul’s urgency for greater perception is a helpful place to center our own prayer in these days of active waiting. 

Our imagination in Advent becomes enlightened and renewed. What is God doing? It must be something quite remarkable for those who take time to discern what is of value at this time.