The Gospel: for this Sunday is Matthew 24: 37-44
1.A word of introduction
Advent comes every year. We have become used to it. Some people think they know what Advent is and how to live it well. Yet, there are many paradoxes to this period. Let’s look at two.
2.Key words
Stay awake!
This word accompanies us throughout Advent. Paradoxically, it is not about keeping vigil, like the night watchmen who do not go to sleep. In the Gospel the Greek word “gregoreo” is used. It comes from the verb “egeiro,” which means “to arise from sleep.”
The Lord God gives us Advent in order to awake, to open our eyes. This is especially important in our daily busyness and routine.
For you do not know on which day your Lord will come.
Paradoxically, Advent is not just a time to prepare for Christmas. It is about something more. As the Gospel says, it is a time of preparation for the second coming of Jesus. Nevertheless, we are all aware that our meeting with him is not only for the end of the world. We will probably meet Jesus before then. It is important for us to be ready for His coming in our own lives, because none of us knows when we will be called to Eternity.
3.Today
Perhaps we have been making Advent resolutions since childhood. They change as we grow older. A person may sometimes not eat candy in Advent, but as they grow up they know that resolutions in the areas of love of God and neighbor are the most important.
Let us think for a moment about our resolution for this Advent. It is important to have at least one clear and specific resolution.
And today we celebrate...