November 27, 2022: First Sunday of Advent

Gospel: Matthew 24:37-44

Jesus said to his disciples: “As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. In those days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day that Noah entered the ark. They did not know until the flood came and carried them all away. So will it be also at the coming of the Son of Man. Two men will be out in the field; one will be taken, and one will be left. Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken, and one will be left. Therefore, stay awake! For you do not know on which day your Lord will come. Be sure of this: If the master of the house had known the hour of night when the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and not let his house be broken into. So too, you also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.”

Reflection

Surely Advent cannot be upon us! Yet, the familiar words from the Gospel ring in our ears this Sunday – “Stay awake.” “Be prepared.” “At an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.” The other two readings also have their share of reminders about preparedness, alertness and watchfulness. During Advent, we are invited to consider many comings. We recall the first coming of Christ at Christmas, and take time to prepare for the Second Coming of Christ. We also can concentrate on the times Christ comes to us again and again, each day, each hour perhaps.

Action

How can I be more alert to those times in my life when Christ comes? Each evening this week, reflect on the question: How did I receive Christ, in his many disguises, today?