Gospel of Mark, chapter 13:33

When we expect company in the evenings after the day’s work is done, we turn on the porch light. Our small beacon of welcome streams out to meet the visitor. This is not new, for people lit a candle or oil lamp for centuries and have set it at the window or outside as a sign of welcome. The welcoming light is a sign that the people inside are vigilant, watchful and awake. The are ready; the porch light outside or the light in the window inside says so.

Today is the first Sunday of Advent and we are cautioned to be “prepared.” “The Son of man is coming at the time you least expect” (Matthew 24:44). The people in Jesus’ story did what all people do day in and day out. They plowed the fields; they prepared meals; they ate and drank; they married and were given in marriage. These were every day tasks which required little thought and attention. They are the stuff of human life. But, they need to be charged with awareness, they need to be brought to light and life in hearts that are open to God’s presence. Jesus reminds us that we keep the steady flame of the spirit burning as a sign of God’s presence.

We can tend the light of faith while being involved in the thick of life. The Lord’s coming is always close. During advent we don’t need so much to be informed as to be reminded. Let us keep the steady flame of faith burning as we go about our daily business; as we tend to our jobs in life; as we take care of our families, our friends, and our church.

The Lord wants us to be always watchful; always aware of the subtle pitfalls in life that tend to trip us up; always ready to receive Him when we repent of our sins and turn back to Him.

Fr. Hugh Duffy