Matthew 24:37-44
Today’s Gospel reminds us that Jesus calls us to be on our guard and to stay awake, to be ready for His return, the most important event of our lives. Yet, because of the pressures and concerns of daily living, we can easily lose sight of this. That is why the Church gives us the great gift of Advent: a season to refocus and recentre our lives on the truth that Jesus will return.
The Fathers of the Church speak of three comings of Christ. The first was His birth in Bethlehem, which we will celebrate again very soon. The second will be His coming in glory, when all humanity will see Him. The third is His coming to each one of us individually at the end of our earthly life, when He calls us home. But with everything happening around us, we can become distracted. We know that Jesus is coming, yet His coming can become something distant, abstract, left at the back of our minds.
We all know what it is like to wait for something important, something that could change our lives: A new job, a new home, an operation. In those moments, our full attention is fixed on that day. Everything else is put on hold. But if the day is postponed or delayed, our focus shifts back to all the things we had set aside. The excitement fades, and the anticipation weakens as ordinary life takes over. Deep down, we know the day will still come, but our preparation is no longer the same.
This Gospel made me reflect on my own faith and how quickly I can lose focus on the message I have received, the message that Jesus will return. Of this I am certain, though I do not know the hour. And this is why the Church offers us Advent as a gift: a time of preparation, anticipation, and waiting. She even gives us the tools we need.
Almsgiving is not simply giving money; it is offering something of ourselves, our time, our talents, our gifts, for the good of others.
Fasting is not only skipping a meal; it may mean setting aside some of our own comforts or activities so that we can reach out to someone who needs company or support.
Prayer is not only asking for our own needs; it is lifting others before God. The Church teaches that our prayer is like a bird flying toward heaven, and its wings are almsgiving and fasting. Without them, it cannot rise.
Let us use this precious gift of Advent to help us stay awake and ready for the most important encounter of our lives: our meeting with Jesus Christ.
Deacon Gerry
