Matthew 24:44 "So too, you also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come."
Have you ever wondered what would it be like to live in California where earthquakes strike without warning, or fires rage with little time for preparation or evacuation. I'm sure people that live in the west show the same concern about Floridians when hurricanes strike. We at least have some warning with hurricanes, but there's no warning for earthquakes or tornadoes.
On this first Sunday of Advent, we read in the gospel of St Matthew, about living a normal life, going through our daily routines, and then suddenly the world experiences the second coming of the Son of Man. Jesus touches on all aspects of our daily lives and how we are impacted°eating, drinking, married, working in the fields, working at the mill°and then suddenly, life come to an end. One is taken up, the other is left. This is how it is with our own lives. We never know the time or the hour when the Son of Man will come for us. We could be driving to work, at our desk, out for a job, or even sleeping. We never know, so we must be prepared.
Advent is a time of preparation for us to remember that God became flesh in Jesus Christ to save the world and he will return in glory. Many get caught up with the festivities of Christmas preparation and actually want to celebrate Christmas before the day of his birth. All of the readings this weekend serve as a reminder to focus on our spiritual wellbeing, not on the earthly things that are fleeting. Some want the tree decorated just right, the house to have all the lights just so, the presents to be perfectly wrapped. But what about your soul? Is it right in the eyes of God? Have you prepared spiritually and are you in a state of grace should the Son of Man come tomorrow. Use the Advent season to get your spiritual home in order.
