Mark 13:24-37
24 “But in those days, after that suffering, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, 25 and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken.
26 Then they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in clouds’ with great power and glory. 27 Then he will send out the angels, and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven.
28 “From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near. 29 So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. 30 Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. 31 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
32 “But about that day or hour no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 33 Beware, keep alert; for you do not know when the time will come. 34 It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his slaves in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to be on the watch. 35 Therefore, keep awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or at dawn, 36 or else he may find you asleep when he comes suddenly. 37 And what I say to you I say to all: Keep awake.”
Keep awake, alert and vigilant
This first Sunday in Advent, we are listening to the Gospel describe the second coming of Christ, when the Son of Man will judge all humans.
Notice that this Son of Man, "will come in clouds with great power and glory,” (v. 26) which is exclusively characteristic to God's moves in the Old Testament. "He was given authority to execute judgement, because He is the Son of Man" John 5:27.
He is the Son of Man, who has experienced our human condition with both its strengths and it’s weaknesses. “For we do not have a high priest, who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need” Hebrews 4:15-16. Justice and mercy embrace each other.
This how Jesus invites us to keep awake and vigilant as we wait for His second coming,"What I say to you I say to all: Keep awake" v. 37.
Speaking about the second coming means that we have had a first coming. Let’s be reminded and celebrate the first as we wait with vigilance for the second to come.
Advent is four weeks of spiritual preparation for this event known as Christ's birthday, Christmas, or the Feast of the Incarnation. "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us" John 1:14.
Advent is the beginning of the annual liturgical cycle. It is also a joyful time of commitment to prepare for the birth of Christ at Christmas and simultaneously to prepare for His second coming.
As a pastoral education in Advent, the Church recommends preparing a wreath with four or five colored candles, symbolizing:
Green-Faith
Blue-Hope
Gold-Love
White-Peace
Purple-Repentance.
Happy and blessed are the Churches and Christian families who keep using this practice. It introduces new generations to live the true meaning of Advent. Let’s celebrate a spiritual family and social Christmas, looking forward to the second Coming of the Son of Man.
Repent (change our inner selves), aiming at and seeking God's purposes for our lives. Be active members in His Kingdom as we watch — and await.
