Gospel Reflection Nov 27 – Deacon Frank
Sunday, November 27
First Sunday of Advent
Mathew: 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:
Hundreds of years ago, the first crucifixes made always depicted Jesus with his eyes wide open, alive, his head up – not drooping, his arms open in exultation – not hanging in defeat. Later, as Christians began to emphasize Jesus’ suffering, crucifixes and other artistic representations of the cross did likewise. Jesus often seemed wounded, seemingly conquered, and lifeless.
As we begin this new liturgical year with the Season of Advent, we should remember those first crucifixes, emphasizing the resurrected Jesus’ triumphant divinity and victory over sin, suffering, and death. The open eyes of the resurrected Christ on those early crucifixes should mirror to us how to respond as we await the light of the world. Sleeping is for nighttime; daytime is for conducting “ourselves properly.” Jesus could return at any moment. Jesus already comes to meet us in many ways. Are we awake, attentive? Are we living as people of light, hope, and peace, nurturing the kingdom of God as Christ’s resurrected body?
May we anticipate Christ’s coming and help bring it about. Jesus comes to us this Sunday in the Eucharist to feed us for the journey. As we await his coming, let us open our hearts to receive his light and share his peace.
Deacon Frank Iannarino