“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. For that day will assault everyone who lives on the face of the earth. Be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent and to stand before the Son of Man.” Luke 21:34-36

Advent has begun! This magnificent season is pregnant with expectation, rich with tradition and beauty. A new liturgical year begins and it is the perfect time to reflect on the great gift of our faith. Today’s gospel reading is a somber one; it does not exactly encapsulate the wonder of the season and yet it is important as we reflect on the beginning to also reflect on the end. Looking around our world today it is easy to wonder if Christ’s coming is imminent, and yet we cannot know the hour or the day. We do know that Christ will reign victorious, that the battle is already won, and that we must be prepared for him when he comes. We can find great hope in the words of the Psalm today: “All the paths of the LORD are kindness and constancy toward those who keep his covenant and his decrees. The friendship of the LORD is with those who fear him, and his covenant, for their instruction.” (Ps 25:14) Our hope is in the truth and beauty of Advent; it is in his coming that we find our hope and our strength to endure. Ask the Lord what he would have you give him this Advent. How does he want you to draw closer to him in these weeks leading up to Christmas? Allow his truth and love, his kindness and constancy to infiltrate your heart and your home, and let his immutable grace be the source of all your strength.

PRAYER: Dearest Lord, who humbled yourself and came to earth for my salvation, help me as I prepare for your coming this Advent to also prepare my heart, soul and mind for your second coming and an eternity with you in heaven.