The First Sunday of Advent

(Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Houston, Texas)

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew 24:37-44

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."  

As I prepare for Christmas, I must remember what it truly means to "prepare for Christmas."  It means that I am preparing for the coming of Christ.  It does not mean that I am absorbing television commercials telling me what I need to buy.  It also does not mean making lists of all that I must frantically accomplish before December 25 so that I can ensure the happiness of myself and everyone I love.  

I do not know the hour.  How frequently is that in gospels!  So, I need to be prepared every single day.  Every single minute of every single day.  

                    metanote:  This is my first post on this blog.  I have read the blogs of others who have the courage to put themselves out there as Catholic bloggers.  I have wanted to do the same.  But I felt unworthy.  I wondered what I could possibly have to contribute to the body of Catholic Blogging.  I expressed this on another blog and someone came and said that I am worthy to post my thoughts on my faith.  And then he clinched it when he said that his blogging has brought him deeper into the faith.  I do so want that.  I don't feel that I have anything great to contribute, but I know I have much to learn.  I will try this for the four weeks of Advent and see where the Journey takes me.  Thank you and God Bless You.