November 28, 2010
1st Sunday of Advent
"So it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. Two men will be working in the field. One will be taken. One will be left. Two women will be grinding at the mill. One will be taken. One will be left." (Gospel According to Matthew) On Thanksgiving day I was driving my sister and nieces on the Thruway at 60 mph. Near Angola in heavy traffic, I sensed a loss of steering; then a hum sound; and then a loud thumping sound. I slowly drove off the highway onto the shoulder. A flat tire! We first experienced a certain numbness -- trying to comprehend what had just taken place. Then we got our wits back to pull off even more; get a road marker and call the Automobile Club. There was not one complaint just gratitude for being alive. We were also very hungry. A brush with death heightens one's appreciation of the precious gift of life. Jesus bids his disciples to be alert, to be awake for his future coming. Are we awake? How can we be more conscious of His coming? Isaiah recommends that we journey to the Holy Mountain and there transform our weapons of war into instruments of peace. Dispersing our inner anger (like using the release valve on an inner tube) is one way to welcome the Prince of Peace. Paul exhorts believers in the City of Rome to put on the virtue of Jesus and to abandon jealousy, rivalry and promiscuity. Living with integrity is another way to ready for Christ's coming. Advent is more than preparing for Christmas. Advent is getting ready to welcome Christ who comes at an hour we least expect. Let us light the first candle in our Advent Wreath and dispel the darkness ready to welcome Jesus.
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Our Lord Jesus Christ the King
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3rd Sunday of Advent
