November 29, 2020
First Sunday of Advent (Year B)
Isaiah 63:16- 17.19-64:2-7 / Psalm 80:2.3.15-16.18-19 / 1 Cor 1:3-9 / Mark 13: 33-37
KEEPING WATCH!
Word: The word “watch” is repeated four times by Jesus in this gospel passage. This is the key-word used by Jesus just before his Passion. Jesus often used this word in the context of combat. Vigilance cannot be real without a combat, without a fight . It is a sort of extreme caution. Vigilance is “custody of the heart”.
“Be watchful! Be alert! You do not know when the time will come” (Mark 13:33). The disciples of Jesus have asked him a double question: “Tell us, when will this happen, and what sign will there be when all these things are about to come to an end?” (Mark 13:4). Jesus does not answer their query.
Rather, Jesus paints the scenario like this: “It is like a man traveling abroad. He leaves home and places his servants in charge, each with his work, and orders the gatekeeper to be on the watch” (Mark 13:34). Striking pictures which somehow expresses the feeling we experience: how far you are, Lord! But for Jesus, this time of absence is not a time of anxiety, but a time of responsibility. It almost appears as if that the master went away precisely in order to make these servants realize their importance. The servants have to go on, take up their responsibilities; they are no longer little children, they have to reflect, decide and act.
At night, the gatekeeper is specially important, since his responsibility is to keep close watch over the home and defend it against eventual intruder, not to open to anyone else but be the first to open to the master upon his return.
And so Jesus advances this advise: “Watch, therefore; you do not know when the lord of the house is coming, whether in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or in the morning” (Mark 13:35). As Jesus has spoken of the time of the absence, he also announces the time of the return. We are on our march towards this new meeting.
Jesus also has a wish: “May he not come suddenly and find you sleeping” (Mark 13:36). In God’s presence we always tend to be a little dormant and lethargic.
Lastly, in the mind of Jesus, God is already present in the heart of the events of our lives. That’s why, he concludes by saying: “What I say to you, I say to all: ‘Watch!'” (Mark 13:37).
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Order: “…regarding when the Parousia will take place, the Gospel is very clear. “As for the exact day or hour, no one knows it, neither the angels in heaven nor the Son, but the Father only” (Mt 24:27). Therefore… because it will come unexpectedly, “like a thief in the night” (1 Thes 5:2), we must “be constantly on the watch! Stay awake! You do not know when the appointed time will come (Mk 13:33).” (Catechism for Filipino Catholics, no. 457)
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Realities: (2018) A steamer laden with passengers was making the round of South America and ran onto a sand bar. The high waves beat the crippled ship and it began to sink. A small schooner appeared on the distant horizon and signals brought it to the rescue. But it was too small to hold all the passengers. So off went the women and children first. Lots were cast among the men, about who could go and who must stay …
Among the men aboard were two relatives, a Catholic lawyer named Burdette and his irreligious son-in-law. Burdette drew the lucky card, his son-in-law the unlucky one. Mr. Burdette turned to the young man and said, “Take this card and save your life. I am a Catholic and went to Confession and Communion just before starting out on this trip. I am prepared to die. As for you, I have my doubts. Take this card and save your life.”
It would be interesting to know how the young man used his SECOND LIFE. (Joel Pokomy READY FOR DEATH)
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Direction: All-powerful God, increase our strength of will for doing good that Christ may find an eager welcome at his coming and call us to his side in the kingdom of heaven, where he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. (Prayer, Liturgy of the Hours, 1st Sunday of Advent)