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“Be watchful! Be alert!” These words in today’s gospel are clear and direct. But why are they shared with us at the beginning of the Advent season?
It is this question of readiness that is at the heart of the “reason for the season.” If God can break into our lives by taking human form, then the season of Advent can challenge us to be on guard for God’s coming-—both at Christmas and at the end of time. We must be alert in order to answer the call to discipleship.
As we do not know the time or place, let us approach our Advent prayer as an opportunity to reflect on our readiness, remembering that God is gentle and loving. As we see in the first reading, the people felt God had turned away from them. Yet, when they recalled all that God had done for them, they trusted in God’s goodness and saving power. God is faithful and will strengthen us to the end. So let us rejoice and give thanks for this Advent opportunity to recall God’s goodness, and stay awake for Jesus’ coming.