Stay vigilant each day in preparing for Christ’s coming

As the weeks of Advent quickly fly by, I reflect on the magnitude and reality of the last few lines from the first Sunday of Advent Gospel. The end of the 21st Chapter of Luke warns us to not become drowsy from the anxieties of daily life. This is a great reminder any time of the year, but especially in this busy holiday season.

We are given a head’s up to prepare ourselves and be ready for Christ’s coming and not be caught by surprise. We are told to “be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent and to stand before the Son of Man.” If that is not a wake-up call, I don’t know what is!

Advent is a season of waiting and preparation, but waiting without action won’t help prepare us for anything. The “action” may very well be taking time to slow down, be still, seek silence and listen to God’s whisperings. The hustle and bustle of the holiday season is what we need to be rescued from. We are called to prepare our hearts to let God in. That process will be unique for each person, but I pray that we all strive to make God the center of our lives. Many of us know what to do, but if your life is anything like mine, we can become drowsy and weary by life. I pray that we all take some time this Advent to follow the old adage, and “put Christ back into Christmas.”

What if Jesus’ second coming was imminent and we prepared for His coming with the realization that our lives depended on it? Can you imagine what an impactful and life changing Advent we would have? I can hear the emergency alert horn going off with the announcement, “This is NOT a test. I repeat, this is NOT a test!” What would we change? How would we act? We do not know the day or the hour, so we must be ready. That sounds like a daunting task but we make progress when we live just one small holy moment at a time.

Every encounter matters. Was I the face of Christ to that person or not? Did I show that person love, care, compassion and mercy? The beauty of Church is that we are not left alone to flounder by ourselves. We are a family — truly brothers and sisters in Christ. That is why being part of a parish is so important — to support each other in being the best disciple we can possibly be.

As the hope and anticipation of Christ’s birth draws closer, may we stay vigilant in our preparation for His coming each and every day. Christmas blessings to you and your families!

Please contact me with any questions about boosting evangelization efforts at your parish at [email protected] or by visiting https://www.rcda.org/evangelization. Follow me on Instagram: tom_rcda