As each academic year would come to its end at Conception Seminary we were always reminded about the Blessed Last Things. These were placed before our sight in order that we would not grow slack in the final days, but finish well. After all, with the Christmas or summer vacation so close it would be easy to not treat those last days as if they were important.
Today is the 1st Sunday of Advent and very soon we will arrive at our celebration of Christmas. With all the preparations that we must make for this season of Christmas it would be so easy to overlook Advent. After all, there is a lot of shopping that must be done, decorations which must go up, and a never ending list of parties to attend. Let us remember that Christmas is not yet here.
In our Gospel we are warned that we cannot allow our heart to “become drowsy.” Therefore, we are called upon to remain “vigilant at all times” for the coming of Christ is nigh. This coming is made known at Christmas, but too in the Eucharist and at the end of time when He will come again. No matter when we encounter Him we must be found prepared.
Just as it is so easy to celebrate as if Christmas is already here, so would it be so easy to live our life as if we will never be called home to Him. This facade is one that cannot be sustained for there will come a point in time when we will stand face to face before Him. Will we be found prepared for such an encounter or squander the time that has been set before us?
Advent is a beautiful season of the Church that aids us in such preparations. We would notice that during this season the priest wears violet which serves as a reminder of our need to undergo penance. During this season we should focus on prayer and fasting in order that we may purify ourself of all that keeps us from being found prepared for the coming of Christ.
At the time of the Nativity it was said that there was no room in the inn. We too make no room within the inn of heart for the Lord to enter in and dwell with us. Use this time for prayer especially as a family. Use this time to study Sacred Scripture for in the words of Saint Jerome, “ignorance of scripture is ignorance of Christ.” Use this time do acts of charity which send us outside of the doors of this Church in order to bring Christ into the world.
Also, if it has been a long time since your last confession I invite you to return to this sacrament. If we want nothing to do with this sacrament we have closed ourself from being found receptive of the gift of God’s grace. We must remember that the Lord is merciful with us, but we must first desire His mercy.
May we allow this season of Advent to assist us in remaining “vigilant at all times.” There is a lot that goes on around us especially at this time of the year. Let us take to heart the Blessed Last Things which are necessary (for we are not yet there) if we are to be found ready for the coming of Christ and the celebration of Christmas.
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