Sunday 30^th November – 1^st Sunday of Advent

Reflection: Mark 13:33-37

BE ON YOUR GUARD

“You know what hour it is. This is the time to awake, for our salvation is now nearer than when we first believed; the night is almost over and the day is at hand. Let us discard, therefore, everything that belongs to darkness, and let us put on the armour of light” (Romans13:11-12)

God created us to be free and responsible. He created us for His own purpose and not for ours, and He constantly reminds us of this purpose each time we listen to His word. More so, God, like the master of the house has given each of us ‘treasures’, ‘time’, and ‘talents’ according to our capacity to be used for His own purpose. Just as the master of the house in today’s gospel reading, our end too will come at an unexpected hour and an account of our stewardship will be demanded of us. We will be required to give an account of how well we have used the gifts God has given us for His glory. Are you prepared for this?

We must bear in mind that ‘we do not have eternity to prepare for eternity’. The day of salvation is today, tomorrow may be too late. Let us arise from our slumber, shun the old immoral ways of life, and shun all forms of insincerity, hatred, and unfaithfulness. Let us put on the armour of righteousness, walking daily in the light of God’s presence. When we fall, let us call on Him to help us up, when we are weak, let us call on Him for strength; for our God is more than willing to help us stay prepared if we are willing to.

Today we are called to a sober reflection on our state of preparedness for heaven. We must remember that, ‘if we are not prepared for heaven today, there is no assurance we will be tomorrow’. Let us daily live for heaven.

PRAYER: Lord, help me to be eternity conscious and to daily make a choice for heaven. Amen

KNOW YOUR FAITH: CCC 1022 – Each man receives his eternal retribution in his immortal soul at the very moment of his death, in a particular judgement that refers his life to Christ: either entrance into the blessedness of heaven – through a purification or immediately, – or immediate and everlasting damnation. “At the evening of life, we shall be judged on our love.”

HIDE A TREASURE: “Be alert and watch, for you don’t know when the time will come.” Mark 13:33 CCB

Readings for Today: Isaiah 63:16-17, 64:1-8, Psalm 80:2-3, 15-19; 1 Corinthians 1: 3-9; Mark 13:33-37