Keep Watch: Reflection for the 1st Sunday of Advent

Happy New Year (Liturgical)! We begin Year B of the liturgical cycle. The gospel of Mark gives us a reminder of how we should prepare for the second coming of Christ. In the gospel, the evangelist quotes Jesus, “Be watchful! Be alert!”.

Those words have echoed to every generation of Christians since his ascension. So many would phrase the question, “When will he come?” We don’t know when, but we have a job to do now and that is to “watch”.

I remember a story from one of my professors during my time at community college who helped me get through an algebra course that I’ve struggled twice before. When he was growing up, he wound up getting drafted into the army. While many draftees would be shipped to Vietnam, he was a part of a few who only had to watch the 38th parallel (the dividing line between North and South Korea). Then, there were others who would be stationed in Germany in case Russia were to attack Europe.

He would go through daily drills in the event the North Korean soldiers intentionally cross the line and invade South Korea. After all, the countries have had an armistice since July 1953. His training may sound kind of redundant, yet it has a specific purpose.

Like those in the military, Catholics have a duty to keep watch and stay alert. Like the constant training soldiers go through, we do that with a prayer routine, reception of Holy Communion, Holy Hour, and even a weekly confession.

Jesus is coming. Even our time on earth may come to an end tomorrow. Are you prepared for that moment?

Catholics, in the words of Captain America, “Eyes up! Stay sharp”!