Today is the last day of the liturgical year. Tomorrow we begin the season of Advent. So it seems fitting that today's Gospel reading prepares us for the Advent season.
“Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life, and that day catch you by surprise like a trap.” These are the words of Jesus in today’s Gospel reading from Luke 21. And this, really, is the theme of Advent. During Advent, we prepare our hearts for the coming of the Lord. Some may ask why. Jesus has already come, right? I mean, isn’t that what Christmas is all about? Yes, it is. But we must always remember that Christ will come again. This is why Holy Mother Church gives us the season of Advent.
It can seem a delicate balancing act. We want to celebrate with family and friends. And so we should. But we must always remember the bigger picture. We must conduct ourselves as those in waiting.
Father, help us to stay awake! Keep us ever mindful that we await the return of our Savior, your Son Christ Jesus. Amen.
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