Sunday 30th November 2008 - First Sunday of Advent.
SCRIPTURE
Jesus said to His disciples: “Be on your guard, stay awake, because you never know when the time will come”.
Mark 13:33
OBSERVATION
Jesus goes on to tell a parable about a man travelling abroad, leaving his servants in charge. The inference is that He is the one leaving and that one day He will return. His advice? …Stay awake and keep busy at your allotted task. You must not be found “asleep” on His return.
APPLICATION
This reading is especially interesting as it is the first Gospel of Advent, a time of expectancy, of preparing the way for Him who is to come. The distant Advent focus is Christmas and the arrival of baby Jesus, but a parallel focus is the second coming of Jesus, which will be the end of this time and this world. Am I awake, ready for His sudden return? I’m drowsy at best… This Advent “wakefulness” is to be my goal.
PRAYER
Holy Spirit, help me stay awake and be focussed on readiness for Jesus inevitable return.
Mary, expectant mother of Jesus, pray for me.
