In the Liturgical year, this might be considered New Year’s Eve. The new Church year starts tomorrow with the First Sunday of Advent. The theme of the Advent readings is always stay awake; be prepared, for you know not the hour. That theme has also been consistent recently. Today is no different.
In the Gospel reading from Luke 21, Jesus says, “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.”
Now, you may not carouse or get drunk, so let’s focus that last condition of which Jesus speaks – the anxieties of daily life. I think in great measure, we’re all just trying to get by. Whether it’s going to work, raising a family or just mustering up the strength to get out of bed, daily life can, indeed, be filled with anxiety. That’s why Jesus warned us about it. We must remain focused. Try setting aside time for prayer once or twice a day. Set aside for just a moment all the stuff we drag along every day. Rest in the Lord and be prepared. Make sure that you don’t fall victim to a drowsy heart.
Father, help us not to get lulled to sleep by the daily grind. Give us the grace to always be focused on doing your will, through Christ our Lord, Amen.
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