Gospel Reflection Dec 1 – Deacon Paul Zemanek
Sunday, December 1
First Sunday of Advent
Lk 21:25-28, 34-36
Gospel:
Jesus said to his disciples:
“There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars,
and on earth nations will be in dismay,
perplexed by the roaring of the sea and the waves.
People will die of fright
in anticipation of what is coming upon the world,
for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.
And then they will see the Son of Man
coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
But when these signs begin to happen,
stand erect and raise your heads
because your redemption is at hand.
“Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy
from carousing and drunkenness
and the anxieties of daily life,
and that day catch you by surprise like a trap.
For that day will assault everyone
who lives on the face of the earth.
Be vigilant at all times
and pray that you have the strength
to escape the tribulations that are imminent
and to stand before the Son of Man.”
Gospel Reflection:
Today’s Gospel is a most urgent one, and it is even a very stern one!! For we need to watch continuously, and we always need to be ready for Jesus, because Satan is surely wanting to lull us to sleep. He wants to distract our minds away from God’s Word with all the busyness that we have in our lives. Satan wants us to think that we have plenty of time to get ready so we can focus later on Jesus after we take care of the more pressing things in our lives.
As we start the Advent season today, the beginning of a new liturgical year, it is our tradition to reflect on the final return of Jesus. God is always coming!! But His coming will take place when it is least expected. And Jesus advises us to be constantly watching and to avoid all those things that might disturb or that might burden our hearts.
Our readings today are all about time and they are about becoming awake again. Maybe today is a good time to remember all that has happened over the past year, to remember the tragedies, the failures, the successes, and the joys.
Let us pray, let us remember, and let us give thanks to God for all that He has done for us, and let us look forward with great hope for the coming Kingdom of our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Lord. And this Advent season let us “be vigilant at all times.”
Deacon Paul Zemanek