Kulandai Albert csc –
Readings: Is 2:1-5; Rom 13:11-14b; Mt 24:37-44
Today, as we step into the Advent season and a new liturgical year the readings alert us with a wake-up call. The Advent season is a time of expectancy and preparation for the celebration of Jesus’ birth. Advent means coming or arrival.
As Christmas is approaching, we are invited to wake up to receive him. This wake-up call for the first coming, the birth of Jesus. And, for the second coming of Jesus put all things right in the end. Therefore, today through the reading, the Lord calls us to stay awake and to be prepared. So that when the son of man comes, we will be ready to receive him into our homes and our hearts.
In the first reading Isaiah invites the people to go to Jerusalem for where God will teach his ways. This prophecy is fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
Jesus has shown the light of the Lord and by walking in his light we will find the true path of life. Through the second reading even Paul asks us to wake-up from sleep for salvation.
The right way to be prepared according to Paul is to discord everything that belongs to darkness and put on the armor of light. Preparing to receive Jesus is a preparation also to face our ultimate destiny.
Jesus himself teaches the need for preparedness to face the last days which might come like a thief at an unexpected time. Alertness at all moments with a right way of living, is a teaching that we learn from the person of Jesus. Jesus also answers that we will not be among the left out if we are alert and awake in him.
Pope Francis says the condition to be ready for the encounter with the Lord is not only faith but a Christian life rich in love and charity for our neighbor. Let us be awake and alert in love and charity for our neighbor.