Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Mark 13,33-37.
Be watchful! Be alert! You do not know when the time will come.
It is like a man traveling abroad. He leaves home and places his servants in charge, each with his work, and orders the gatekeeper to be on the watch.
Watch, therefore; you do not know when the lord of the house is coming, whether in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or in the morning.
May he not come suddenly and find you sleeping.
What I say to you, I say to all: ‘Watch!'”
Let’s be forewarned
1) In ancient times: during the early days of Christianity it is known that many cultural elements were adopted from the Roman Empire. The term “Advent” is a one of them. Adventus, in Latin, means “coming”. The Caesar was coming, and that was a good reason to get ready and to honour him, as well as to offer something to him. That offering generally came from the family’s occupation. The gift would identify the family. Today, we are also told that Jesus is coming. He wants to conquer your heart and take it back. Today, the Church is shouting out loud: “Get ready!”, and on the 25th give Him your best; the gift of whatever has identified you this year.
2) In the middle: Curiously, the same thing is happening nowadays, as in the Middle Ages. This time of Advent was not taken into account. It just went on without anyone noticing, or was turned into a pagan celebration. Almost like nowadays; we have Christmas parties and celebrations , but the birthday boy is not invited.! That is why Saint Francis of Assisi was enlightened to catechize this time; he gave us the Christmas manger. It is a way of preparing ourselves as a community, by recreating that moment in each home, and at the same time, making us understand that Jesus is coming in a simple way. That is why the beginning of the 25th begins by putting Baby Jesus in the manger. It is the light that is born… not in Bethlehem, but in your home.
3) Today is Advent: today we live in different times. I think that more than paganization, it is called “commercialization”. So, what do you propose to do this Advent? Don’t let it pass unnoticed.
Come on! Let’s move; let’s do something. Just as Francis used his creativity, now you have the challenge, come on, accept the challenge !
God bless you in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Remember, heaven in our goal.
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God Bless You!