“You must be prepared in the same way. The Son of Man is coming at the time you least expect.” MT 24:44

 

Today we begin the Season of Advent and the start of a new Liturgical Year.  What do we hear from God’s Shared Word?  Are we filled with Hope?  Are we feeling inside our heart and soul the desire for Everlasting Life?  If so, how are we preparing ourselves?

As an Advent people, we are to be watching with expectant Faith and yearning for Christ's coming.  Jesus warns each of us at the end of today’s Gospel, “You must be prepared in the same way. The Son of Man is coming at the time you least expect.” (MT 24:44).

In our materialistic world, we are led to believe that we should be celebrating Christmas now.  Well, actually, it started right around Halloween.  However, we are called to be patient.  Patience can be one of the most challenging Fruits of the Spirit to cultivate.  We have a hard enough time being patient with one another, let alone wait on God.  Yet we are called to have endurance and self-restraint.  Patience creates confidence, decisiveness, and a thoughtful outlook on life.  Patience leads to Wisdom and success.  The Lord Jesus calls us to be alert and watchful for His coming. He comes to us each and every day and He knocks on the door of our heart and home. Do we listen for His voice and welcome Him into our life?

Advent is about the Three Comings of Jesus.  First, He came to earth as a Baby, humble and lowly, at Bethlehem.  Second, Jesus will come again at His Second Coming on the last day (MT 24:30-31). This Coming will be as majestic as His First Coming was humble.  However, it is what happens in between these two where we are to participate with what the Four Advent Candles represent, Hope, Faith, Joy, and Peace.  The Third Coming of Jesus is the coming of the Eucharistic Jesus into our souls today. This coming of Jesus in Holy Communion is a humble coming, just as He came humbly to earth in Bethlehem. His Eucharistic coming is as easy to miss as was His coming at Bethlehem.  How prepared are we to meet the Eucharistic Jesus when He comes to us today?

The First Candle lit at the start of Advent is also known as the Candle of the Prophets.  The prophet Isaiah speaks today of the Day when the Lord would judge between the nations and establish Peace over the earth. On that day, the righteous, all peoples who believed in Him and who listened to His teaching and instruction, would come to His Holy Mountain and House to worship Him and dwell with Him in Everlasting Peace (IS 2:3-5). This is exactly what we Hope for.  The Advent season is a time to remind us that we are living in the time between the First Coming and Second Coming of the Lord Jesus.

St Paul reminds us today to make no provision for the desires of the flesh but rather awake from sleep.  To throw off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light, Jesus Himself.  We are called to let His Word in the Scriptures and the work of the Holy Spirit, who dwells in us, draw us to a deeper Hope, Faith, and yearning for His Kingdom of Righteousness, Joy, and Peace. Those of us who wait upon the Lord today and listen to His Word will not be disappointed. If we’re prepared for this “Third” Coming, we’ll welcome His First Coming again at Christmas and patiently prepare for His Second Coming.  Do we have the patience to endure with Hope in the times we live in order to be ready for the unexpected hour?

"Lord Jesus, you have captured my heart for you. Make me strong in faith, steadfast in hope, and generous in love that I may seek to please you in all things and bring you glory and praise. Keep me ever watchful for the coming of your kingdom today and every day of my life."

 

May God’s Grace and Blessings Always be with You and Yours!!

 

Shalom,

Deacon Bob

St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Church

Houston, TX