Being Ever Alert To God

Be watchful! Be alert! You do not know When the time will come Mark 13:33 AT FIRST READING This Scripture passage may appear to threatening and dark If we look more carefully, however We see that it is a passage about vigilance Advent is a season of watchfulness Our hearts are to be ready for the Lord’s appearance at any moment In spite of the many “unknowns” in our lives We are to remain awake We do not know the time when the earthquake will occur We do not know when the lightning will strike When the tornado or hurricane will wreck Chaos upon us or our loved ones upon us or our loved ones It is just as true as what we do not know When the almond tree will blossom When the child will take its first steps Or when the long waited rain will water the crops There is always cause for rejoicing or grief Numerous are the moments when we can give hope To others by offering our loving assistance as it is needed Do we have enough courage and hope for the difficult times? Do we have enough wakefulness Gratitude For the joyful moments? Readings and Gospel Isaiah 63: 16-17, 19; 64:2-7 Psalm 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19 Corinthians 1:3-9 Mark 13:33-37