Gospel: Matthew 24:37-44
Jesus said to his disciples:
“As it was in the days of Noah,
so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.
In those days before the flood,
they were eating and drinking,
marrying and giving in marriage,
up to the day that Noah entered the ark.
They did not know until the flood came and carried them all away.
So will it be also at the coming of the Son of Man.
Two men will be out in the field;
one will be taken, and one will be left.
Two women will be grinding at the mill;
one will be taken, and one will be left.
Therefore, stay awake!
For you do not know on which day your Lord will come.
Be sure of this: if the master of the house
had known the hour of night when the thief was coming,
he would have stayed awake
and not let his house be broken into.
So too, you also must be prepared,
for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.”
Reflection
The Gospel this Sunday underscores the importance of being vigilant. As Jesus says, the Son of Man will come at an hour we do not expect. Yet one thing is certain – that the Son of Man will surely come. Therefore, there is a need to be prepared for the coming of the Lord all the days of our lives.
Therefore, this season of Advent is somehow a checkpoint in our lives. This season is a reminder and perhaps a wake up call. Are we ready for the coming of Jesus? Have we turned away from things that lead us away from God? Have we faithfully followed the command of Christ to love our neighbor? Do we put God above all other things in our life? These are the questions we should be asking ourselves, not just during this season of Advent, but throughout our lives. Let this be a time of self examination as we anticipate the coming of the Lord.
Action Step
Are you ready? What are concrete ways you can do the make yourself more prepared for the coming of the Lord?
Rev. Fr. Geety Reyes, FCM
Associate Pastor – St. Francis of Assisi ANCC
Advent Retreat 