Stay Awake
As He speaks to the disciples about His second coming, Jesus describes cosmic disturbances and turmoil: "There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on earth nations will be in dismay." Despite these frightening events, Jesus encourages His followers to stand firm and be vigilant, for their redemption is near. He says: “Stay awake.”
Therefore, the central message of today’s Gospel reading is one of hope and vigilance. This is the case throughout Advent, a time when we are preparing for the coming of Christ at Christmas, and for the coming of Christ at the end of times in the readings at Mass. We also joyfully prepare to welcome Him into our hearts each day.
Advent is all about happy anticipation and the healing gift of hope. Thankfully, there are steps we can take to make sure we are spiritually ready to receive this gift, and a means to “stay awake”. Our Mother Church provides the Sacraments, and we are invited to live our lives sacramentally, thereby remaining true to the teachings of Christ.
The Sacraments are outward signs of inward grace, as instituted by Christ. Living sacramentally means that we integrate the Sacraments into our daily lives, and that we see everything as a sign pointing to God. This means participation in the Sacrament of Reconciliation and the Eucharist as often as possible.
Remember that Christ is truly present in the Eucharist, and His healing forgiveness is found in Reconciliation. Prayer is the foundation of our relationship with Christ, but you can’t beat the benefits of getting to Mass and properly evaluating our lives and our actions before God.
Once we are at Mass, it is important that we are truly present, responding mindfully rather than by rote. We must also pray before and after the Eucharist, fully acknowledging the communion with God we experience.
As we go about our daily lives, are we applying the lessons found in scripture and in the Homily? Are we living according to the values Jesus taught throughout his ministry? Are we praying? This is also 'living sacramentally'.
There is much hope to be found in the Gospel this Sunday, and the invitation to be purified by hope is present in the Sacraments every day.
Today's readings: Jeremiah 33:14-16 Psalm 24 1Thessalonians 3:12-4:2 Luke 21:25-28, 34-36
Photo Credit: Callum Hill/ Unsplash
Source: First Sunday of Advent
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