Jesus said to his disciples:
Mk 13:33-37
‘Be on your guard, stay awake, because you never know when the time will come. It is like a man travelling abroad: he has gone from home, and left his servants in charge, each with his own task; and he has told the doorkeeper to stay awake. So stay awake, because you do not know when the master of the house is coming, evening, midnight, cockcrow, dawn; if he comes unexpectedly, he must not find you asleep. And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake!’
Advent is not only a time of preparation for the Nativity of our Lord celebrated in the great feast of Christmas, it is also a timely reminder of the Lord’s Second Coming, and our own impending judgement.
As with his disciples, Jesus warns us ‘be on your guard, stay awake, because you never know when the time will come.’ We must be prepared therefore to be judged at any time. To this end we must always live in accordance with his teachings, especially to love God and our neighbour.
Advent is a time of new beginnings, providing us with an ideal opportunity for seeking personal renewal. We should never defer until tomorrow what we can do today. Rather, we should seek to reconcile ourselves with others, to heal broken relationships and to be people of helping hands and loving hearts.
Advent therefore is not just a time of preparing, but also one of doing. True Christian discipleship is faith and love in action.
Anthony Cleary
Director: Mission and Identity