Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Mark 13, 33-37
Jesus said to his disciples:
“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 own 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, many cultural elements of the Roman Empire were adopted. 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 to honor him and to offer a gift 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 win back your heart. Today, the Church is shouting out loud: “Get ready!”, so that on Christmas Day you can give Christ your best; the gift of whatever has identified you this year.
2. In the Middle Ages. Curiously, the same thing is happening nowadays as in the Middle Ages. The time of Advent was not taken into account. It just went by without anyone noticing or was turned into a pagan celebration. Almost like it is 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 of grace; he gave us the Christmas manger scene or Nativity scene. It is a way of preparing ourselves as a community by recreating that moment in every home, and at the same time, making us understand that Jesus comes in a simple, humble way. That is why on Christmas Eve we place Baby Jesus in the manger. It is the light that is born, not in Bethlehem, but in our home.
3. Advent begins today. Nowadays we live a time of paganization, that we could call “commercialization”. So, what do you propose to do this Advent? Don’t let it pass unnoticed.
Come on! Let’s do something. Just as Francis used his creativity, now you have the challenge! Will you accept it?
Always remember that something good is on the way!
God bless you, be with you and protect you in the name of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
