ADVENT I - An Advent Reflection on Mark 13: 33-37
(Advent Reflection on Mark 13:33-37)
Dear Jesus,
You came to us, so long ago, as a precious babe lying in a manger. Shepherds and Magi, alert and awake to their surroundings, came to visit.
Years later, thousands of others heard your messages, the greatest being, to love God with all your heart and to love your neighbour as yourself.
At times, there were misunderstandings, “Lord, when did we see you hungry, thirsty or sick?” You explained that whatever is done to the least of us, it is done to you. I believe that means you are always with us.
Yet, you said, you will come again.
Since we do not know the day or time, you told us to always keep alert and awake. This, however, is humanly impossible. Remember how you asked Peter and the sons of Zebedee to stay awake but they didn’t, not even for an hour? You rebuked them, yet, continued to love them and forgave them. Will you not do the same for us? If that is so, then we need not worry.
We’ll try our best, Lord, to be awake and alert to the needs of others, to love one another and to love you. We will, however, fall asleep, from time to time. When we do, may we, with each new awakening, rise up and start anew.
We do not know the future. Thankfully, we believe and trust in your love and mercy. For this, we are truly grateful.
As for the present, we will take your teachings to heart and strive to live in hope, peace, joy and love this advent season and all other seasons to come.
Amen.
Written by: Fernanda Estoesta, Associate of the Sisters of St. Joseph
33 Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come. 34 It’s like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with their assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch.
35 “Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. 36 If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. 37 What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’” - MARK 13: 33-37
IMAGE: Unsplash/Waldemar