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First Sunday of Advent

November 28, 2004

Reflection prepared by Sister Mary Claude Croteau, OSB 

Readings:

• Isaiah 2: 1-5

• Romans 13: 11-14

• Matthew 24: 37-44

Theme:  We are pilgrims in need of constant watchfulness—of staying awake—in the face of the uncertain time of the Second Coming.

In Noah’s time, life around him was going on as usual. In spite of Noah’s warning, the flood hit his world with unexpectedness. Some were saved and some were not. Why?

Two men were in the field doing the same task. Life was going on as usual.  One entered God’s kingdom and one did not. Why?

Two women were preparing a meal—both doing the same thing. Life was going on as usual. One was saved and the other was not. Why?

Throughout history, the world has always faced uncertain times—as we do today. As pilgrims on our journey to union with God, how we face these times, day by day, indicates how we will face the Last Day—whether it be our death or the final judgment. The Scout motto of “Be Prepared” surely is appropriate for all of us for all time.

To be prepared, for me, means to treat every day as if it were the time of Christ’s coming. Probably the best way to do that is to be busy with my assigned (everyday) tasks—that is, to live as Benedict exhorts us to in the first step of humility—to be mindful of God’s presence with me and that at all times I am being watched by a God who loves me and is giving me every opportunity to be prepared for what is to come.

I need to stay awake to Christ’s coming to me daily in the needs of my sisters—to be hospitable to community members and to those with whom I am in contact—to be a spirit-filled joyful presence of peace—and to leave the end time and the result of my pilgrimage in the hands of God and like the householder, simply to be prepared.

Reflection Question: 

• What does "to be prepared"—to stay awake — mean to me?

Prayer:

God, make my heart humble, obedient, and hopeful, so that I may accept you in ALL your appearances, especially in the way you come to me today.

Our Father