First Sunday of Advent
(Cycle “B" – November 27, 2005)

Q. 347:   We have been waiting a long time for Messiah to come a second time. How can we maintain ‘vigilance’ for so long?

A. 347:   Today’s gospel (Mk 13:33-37) finds Jesus urging his disciples to “Be constantly on the watch! Stay awake!”  The master is going to be physically absent for a long time, and he wants every single one of his servants to be faithful to the task he has assigned to each of them.   No one knows when the master will return, so the advice to them, in effect, is to live each day as if the master will return any moment.

We have all heard stories about elderly parents or grandparents, sitting by their window, patiently watching and waiting and hoping for a visit from a family member or friend.   Perhaps you have experienced those lonesome times yourself, and the joy that fills your heart when a loved one appears.   On the other hand, perhaps you have been one who was lax and neglected to make visits when you were able.   I am reminded of something I believe Mark Twain is supposed to have said: “As we get older, we are not so much concerned about the things we did, as we are about the things we neglected to do.”  Have we been faithful?

There is a sense of great peace on the part of those who have been faithful in following the absent master’s wishes, even when they are mistreated or neglected.   Peace and joy come when you diligently maintain a ‘vigilant heart’ against the temptations of the world.   This can only occur if one engages in prayer.   Jesus himself vanquished the tempter in his lifetime through prayer, and he asks us to do the same.

KNOW YOUR CATECHISM!   Temptation is an attraction to act contrary to the will of God (CCC Glossary), and even Jesus was confronted with such attractions (CCC #538).   Only the vigilance of a prayerful heart will enable us to overcome temptations and be ready when the Master returns (CCC #2849).  In Advent we need to renew our efforts to pray as we renew our burning desire for His second coming (CCC #524).

Deacon Paul Rooney
Mary Our Queen Parish, Omaha

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