Today there are a couple of first time moments, it’s the first day I’ve experienced the new Catholic translation of the Mass, and I love it. It seems more prayerful to me and honors the presence of the Holy Spirit among us. I love that this change also starts with the first Sunday of Advent and the gospel reading that reminds us to stay awake. It reminds me to stay centered on my relationship with Christ, to always be in a state of readiness. Readiness to pray, lend a hand, to meet Our Lord. Stay awake, and do not get too comfortable in my faith so that it becomes so routine that it becomes meaningless. Stay awake, and keep searching for answers, breaking open the word of God and grow, to be hungry for more.
Mark 13: 33-37
“Beware, keep alert; for you do not know when the time will come. It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his slaves in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to be on the watch Therefore, keep awake – for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or at dawn, or else he ma find you asleep when he comes suddenly. And what I say to you I say to all: Keep awake”
My family lights a single candle this week of our Advent wreath every evening at dinner. The wreath and candles in a circle are a reminder of God, his eternity and never ending grace; The candles are a period of waiting for the coming of the light of the world, the birth of Jesus. The first candle lit with the intention of praying for Hope. The Advent Calendar that I have reflects on Isaiah 63:19 today. When I look at both the gospel from Mass and this reflection, it calls my heart to do something more than I have been.
Isaiah 63:19
“We have long been like those whom you do not rule, like those not called by your name.”
So here’s the call to action if you’ve been asleep at the wheel or moving on auto pilot. God is clearly calling us to live the gospel, to have our lives be a witness to His glory. He’s anointed us each with gifts and whether we use them to build the kingdom of God is where we can choose to exercise the free will and turn away, or turn towards a relationship with Christ. Wake up with me, live with Christ as your ruler, be counted among the faithful. Let this advent be the one that transforms you and on Christmas we can celebrate all that He promises to the those who have faith. God loves us right where we’re at, there’s nothing to perfect before you move closer to God. Just move closer.
This week I’ll be praying for those who believe their situations are hopeless, that they may find the light of Christ through someone and turn to the Father. I’m also praying that my friends and families have a transformational Christmas experience.
