1ST SUNDAY OF ADVENT (YEAR A)

1st Reading       Isaiah 2:1-5

Psalm                  Ps.122:1-9 (R. cf. 1)

2nd Reading     Romans 13: 11-14a

Gospel                Matthew 24:37-44

BE THE CARETAKER OF YOUR SPIRITUAL HOME

Today is the last Sunday of November, the 1st Sunday in the Liturgical year (Year A), and 1st Sunday of Advent. What comes to light is newness, a fresh start; for this reason, we take time to thank God for how far he has brought us. We also entrust our faith journey into his care in this new liturgical year. 

Dear Friends, the recent past Sundays have delved into the theme of being watchful because of the imminent end of things. Now, the end of the Liturgical year has come, and we usher in another one. What is even special about this Liturgical Year is that we shall occupy ourselves with the Gospel according to Matthew. In the order as presented in the Bible, the Gospel according to Matthew happens to be the FIRST Gospel. Our First reading is also the FIRST as far as the Prophetic books canonically ordered in the Bible are concerned. Therefore, there are many indications of FIRST, not LAST.

When we hear the word FIRST, we necessarily think about the other, LAST. These are two extremes for which a middle point will be needless. You are either, considering only two extremes, FIRST or LAST.

I believe the Gospel passage presents the issue of FIRST and LAST when the authors talks about "two men in a field" (v. 40) and "two women at the millstone grinding" (v. 41). One is taken and becomes FIRST as a result of "staying awake" (v. 42). As well, there is the presentation of "the householder and the thief" (v. 43); two extremes. There is the real owner and the false owner. 

The real issue revolves around who becomes FIRST and who becomes LAST. I believe the author answers that by pointing to the issue of keeping watch so that we are not taken by surprise. Those who keep watching are those who become FIRST.  Keeping watch is the principal work of a security man. What he does is to be cautious (grēgoreō). This word is described as taking heed lest through remission and indolence some destructive calamity suddenly overtakes you. 

Within the context of being watchful is the Season we are now in; ADVENT (From ADVENTUS—COMING). Just as the house owner is aware of the coming of the thief, so is Christ's coming too a sure occurrence. What we are not sure about is the TIME. On account of this, we are called to be FIRST, we are called to be watchful so that we are not taken away from the way of the Lord.

If we want to be FIRST, then we need to be WATCHFUL.  

At the beginning of the Litugical year, and for this short period of Preparation in the season of Advent towards Christmas, the Word of God invites us to seek to be the forerunners in every good work. We are invited to be the caretakers of our spiritual homes, our hearts. The journey has started; do not be deceived into thinking that there is time. There is no time.

May God bless us and keep us focused in our preparations for his Advent. May we not waver in faith. Even if we do, may we find our way and "walk in his path" (Is. 2: 3).

Pax et Bonum. Maranatha, Come, Lord Jesus.