Today we enter another season of Advent. Advent is meant to be a time of preparation for the coming of Christ (or the Son of Man, as today's Gospel names him). When preparation is taken seriously, Advent turns out to be a time of hope.
Today's Gospel is divided into three paragraphs. The first reminds of "crashing-in" times. "...the earth confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves." (v. 25) Reports are still coming in regarding the devastation caused by Hurricane Michael "crashing-in" to the Florida Panhandle. Weather forecasters gave warnings and predictions. People engaged in preparation - boarding up windows and seeking refuge inland.
We use "crash" when times of uncertainty come fast - like when the stock market crashes or someone turns in front of you. The wearing of seat-belts, and investment in bonds are all part of our preparation of potential devastations that come up fast.
The second paragraph reminds of "creeping-up" times. "Look at...the trees...as soon as they sprout leaves you can...know that summer is already near..." (vs. 29-30) If I may re-phrase the metaphor: "Look at the falling leaves. That signals that winter is not far off." Actually, the "creeping-up" is fraught with more likelihood of being ill-prepared. Next Sunday, I'll turn eleven years beyond the Bible's "three-score years and ten." Old age has a way of creeping up. The illusion of putting off to a more convenient time is a constant temptation. A quote on Facebook last week went something like this: "How does it happen that all the people my age look so old?" The AARP magazine carried an article of how devastating a lack of preparation was for a man's widow, simply because he put off making a list of all the passwords to their joint accounts.
The third paragraph counsels us to make good use of times of preparation. "Be alert at all times, praying that you may...stand before the Son of Man." (v. 36) Praying is another way of saying: "Don't get buried in moments of routine - let God flavor your time on earth." In so doing, Advent becomes seasoned with hope whether your life events come "crashing-in" or "creeping-up.'
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