MK 13:33-37
This Sunday’s Gospel reading reminds us that we need to be watchful and alert to the “signs of the times.” Being watchful is a good thing! In this life, there are many ways we prepare for events that we hope will never happen: health insurance / car insurance / home insurance; smoke, carbon monoxide, and fire detectors; security cameras; alarm systems for home and business; emergency alert systems, etc. However, Jesus’ coming WILL HAPPEN. Considering this, it is a consolation that the Lord has remained with us in the Eucharist.
While we wait for His coming, He waits for us to come to Him, too, in every tabernacle and every monstrance. Our Foundress, Blessed Mary of Jesus the Good Shepherd, articulated in many of her letters that Eucharistic Adoration is the secret of our transformation in Christ. A woman of vision, she founded our Congregation with the specific charism of ministering to families. On the First Sunday of Advent each year, we celebrate our foundation anniversary.
A popular holiday song reminds us that because we’ve become older, sadder, and colder, “We Need a Little Christmas.” We also need “a little Advent.” Advent is our opportunity to refocus our lives and grow in awareness of the signs around us. We can again perceive the many ways in which God is at work in our lives. Advent is a journey from distractions to hopeful expectation. It is more than stereotypically getting ready for Christmas. The frantic pace of the next few weeks can make us unsettled; however, God invites us to be peaceful and joyful.
During this beginning of a new liturgical year, we will be making plans and preparations for Christmas: decorating, writing cards, attending parties, making plans for travel and family gatherings and perhaps even engaging in some volunteer work. However, Advent is, first and foremost, a time to prepare for Jesus’ return in glory. The Master is near! We don’t know the day nor time, unlike the date of Christmas, but He will come! Let us keep our minds, hearts, and eyes open to see and welcome Him! Maranatha, Lord Jesus!
Sister Marcella Louis Wallowicz, CSFN
