Gospel Reflection Nov 30 – Deacon Godfrey Ssebikyu
Sunday, November 30
First Sunday of Advent
Matthew 24: 37-44
Gospel:
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.”
Gospel Reflection:
Ready for the Lord?
Brothers and sisters, as we begin the season of Advent—a time of hope and anticipation for the Messiah—let us reflect on what the Lord invites us to embrace. The readings for this first Sunday call us to be prepared in our spiritual lives, as Isaiah encourages us to draw closer to Him and climb His mountain. We can do this through prayer and sacraments. This journey isn’t just about getting ready but about transforming our hearts in anticipation of His coming. True, we prepare for Christ’s arrival; He comes to bring peace to the world. Therefore, Advent reminds us of our role as stewards of peace in today’s world. While we may not wield physical weapons, our words can uplift or hurt. Let our sharp words and actions be turned into plowshares, and let us cultivate a spirit of love and hope in our interactions, creating a community that reflects Christ’s compassion and prepares us to be instruments of His love. Brethren, there is no better time to prepare than now, for we do not know when the Lord will return. Therefore, we must be ready, as the Son of Man will come at an hour you do not expect. This is what the Lord reminds us of in today’s Gospel.
Deacon Godfrey Ssebikyu