Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord. — Psalm 122
Mass reading: Isaiah 2:1-5 / Romans 13:11-14 / Matthew 24:37-44
I’ve never been one to line up outside a store at 3 a.m. to get my hands on the latest must-have gift of the season. I just can’t imagine any material gift worth that kind of effort. Even so, I know plenty of people who do it, sure that missing one night’s sleep is worth the happiness that coveted item will bring.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells us to “stay awake.” Would we be willing to line up outside our parish church before dawn to get our hands on the spiritual gifts God has to offer? Are we willing to lose sleep over this must-have item that can’t be bought but has to be accepted and used? Today is the first day of Advent. Now is the time to stay awake and prepare the way of the Lord.
Prayer: Jesus, as we begin our Advent journey, be the light that guides our way.