First Sunday of Advent (“B”)
November 27, 2011

Q. 660: How can one possibly stay awake twenty-four hours like the gospel advocates?

A. 660:
Just prior to Advent we completed a series of gospel readings that called upon each and every one of us to be vigilant and aware of the different movements within us. We were (and are) called to live a behavior that is truly Christian, to share with the less fortunate, and to be loving in all that we think, say or do.

Today’s gospel (Mark 13:33-37) increases the focus of attention on vigilance. There will be a day of accounting for our behavior; there will be a day of judgment; and it will come when we least expect it. Therefore, Jesus proclaims, “I say to ALL of you: keep awake!”

His story about the man going on a long trip, giving his servants specific tasks to do and commanding the doorkeeper to “stay awake” should indeed raise a question in our minds. Jesus did not command just one person to stay awake, but ALL of us. In the context of story, it meant morning, daytime, all night long—no time to sleep. But that is impossible to do; so we cannot take the story literally; there must be an underlying message.

Jesus wants us to carry out our tasks as baptized Christians, to be examples for others to imitate; this will draw them to come to know Jesus and follow his example. He also wants us to surrender our wills to him; to put our trust in him alone, using the gifts that he has given to us for building up the body of Christ, the Church. In Ignatian terms, to “stay awake” would imply a constant awareness of the movements within our being, recognizing which is from God and which is from the enemy. Our life’s journey is choosing only that which gives God greater honor and glory, and rejecting all that comes from the enemy (Satan, and/or the evils of the culture around us). Jesus is coming! He wants us to be prepared! He calls for spiritual renewal! We are to surrender to his will just as the clay surrenders to the hands of the potter.

KNOW YOUR CATECHISM! The Holy Spirit constantly seeks to awaken us to keep watch (CCC 2849). His inspired word in the last book of the gospel continues the warning that Jesus will return unexpectedly, like a thief in the night, and will bless those he finds awake (Rev. 16:15).

Deacon Paul Rooney
Mary Our Queen Parish, Omaha

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