Lk 21: 34-36
“Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day catch you unexpectedly, like a trap. For it will come upon all who live on the face of the whole earth. Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.”
New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved.
Stay Vigilant
Today we celebrate the liturgical “new year’s eve” as tomorrow our Church calendar flips to a new year with the beginning of Advent. If I’m being honest, it’s easy for me to skip over the readings of the past few weeks about the end times, and look ahead to the hopeful anticipation of Advent. But in doing that, I miss the beauty of the way our liturgical calendar is set up. The cycle of Scripture readings at the end of the year reminds me of the depth of our faith. We don’t simply read the Scripture passages that recount the familiar story of the birth of a Savior in Bethlehem. We also read the cautionary words of that same baby, now a grown man, reminding us to stay vigilant in this life as we prepare for our final judgment and entry into new life.
“Be on guard.” “Be alert.” Jesus tells us to remain vigilant at all times. How will I take these words to heart and be attentive to Jesus’ invitation?
—Lauren Gaffey is the associate director of communications for the Midwest Jesuits and an associate director of Ignatian Young Adult Ministries for the Office of Ignatian Spirituality.
Prayer
Stir up the will of your faithful, we pray, O Lord, that striving more eagerly to bring your divine work to fruitful completion, they may receive in greater measure the healing remedies your kindness bestows. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.
—Collect prayer from today’s Mass