First Sunday of Advent – Luke 21:25-28, 34-36
On this First Sunday of Advent, we begin a new liturgical year. This season of Advent reminds us to be attentive of the various ways Jesus daily comes into our lives. However, the Gospel reading for this first Sunday of Advent is a bit unsettling. In Luke’s Gospel, Jesus tells his disciples: “There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars. And on earth, nations will be in dismay, perplexed by the roaring of the sea and the waves!”
Jesus tells his disciples: “And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with great power and glory! Be attentive! These signs will tell you that your redemption is at hand!” He then cautions his disciples: “Do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness or the anxieties of daily life. If you do so, that day may catch you by surprise!” Jesus’ words are spoken in an urgent tone of voice. Clearly he hopes we will be alert and awake to his coming, not only at the “end of time” but today and every day.
Given the busyness of our daily lives, it is easy to “become drowsy” to Jesus’ coming. Often there is much to be done and not enough time to do it. Yet, do we want to miss the ways Jesus may come to us? If daily we are attentive to Jesus’ presence with us, this daily attentiveness will ensure that we will be ready to meet Him when we come to the end of our lives. Today be mindful of Jesus’ presence with you: in the laughter of a child, in the beauty of snow or simply in a quiet moment. He is always with us! However, often we are not present to Him!
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