Ps 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19
1 Cor 1:3-9
Mk 13:33-37
The central theme of today's readings is Jesus' warning to us to be alert, watchful and prepared because Christ's Second Coming, can occur at any time. People, in general, used to have a paranoid fear about the end of the world. They expected it in A.D. 999 and 2000....Excessive fear of the tribulations accompanying the end of the world led to the followers of some religious cults to commit mass suicide.
Today's Gospel gives us the assurance that we need not be afraid of the end of the world, and the Last Judgement if we remain alert and prepared. The Church invites us on this First Sunday of Advent to prepare for Christ's Second Coming,
- by properly celebrating during this Christmas season the fond memory of Christ's first coming two thousand years ago,
- by experiencing Christ's daily advent or coming in the Eucharistic celebrations, in the Bible and in the worshipping community,
- and by preparing for Jesus' second coming which, for us, will happen at the moment of our deaths.
In the First Reading, the Prophet Isaiah prays for God's active presence so that the Jewish community, returned from Babylonian exile, may remain faithful to their God.
In the Second Reading, St. Paul prays for the reconversion of Christians in Corinth who have misused their gifts and charisms and remain unprepared for Christ’s Second Coming.
In today’s Gospel, using the short Parable of the Servants and Gate-keeper of an absentee master who could return at any time, Jesus instructs His followers to be alert and watchful while doing their Christian duties with sincerity. The gate-keeper and the household servants are expected to be ever-vigilant because their master is sure to return. The time of his return is uncertain, but the reward or punishment is sure and certain.
We should live in the living presence of Jesus every day, advent-like expectation and waiting for His Second Coming, while preparing for Christmas celebration. We can experience Christ’s living presence in the Holy Eucharist, in the Bible, in our worshiping community in our parish, in our family, and in everyone around us. The early Christians experienced it, and that is why the mutual greeting among Christians was the Aramaic, “Maran Athâ” which means “Come, Lord Jesus.” This greeting acknowledged Jesus present in each of them and about to return.
May God bless us and keep us ever prepared for Christ’s Second Coming, while preparing for the yearly celebration of His first coming (Christmas), by repenting on our sins and renewing our lives.