watch, wait, and welcome
“Be constantly on the watch! Stay awake!” —Mark 13:33
We start off the new Church year, and Advent, focusing on our relationship with God the Father. The phrase, “You are our Father,” is mentioned twice in today’s first Mass reading (Is 63:16; 64:7). St. Paul proclaims: “Grace and peace from God our Father” (1 Cor 1:3) and “God [the Father] is faithful” (1 Cor 1:9).
In each of today’s Mass readings, and in the psalm response, are the words watch and wait. How do God the Father, the beginning of Advent and the new Church year, watch, and wait fit together? There is a common theme. The Father is our Potter; we are the clay (Is 64:7). The Father made a fresh start by sending His only Son into the world (Jn 3:16). Yet no one made room for Him (Lk 2:7). The prophet presents God as saying, “Why was no one there when I came?” (Is 50:2) So we weren’t ready. We were surprised.
We need to be on the watch so as not to be surprised. Merchandisers are on the watch this Advent. They have been preparing for months to have their products available for consumers to purchase during December. Children are on the watch for presents and Christmas. Parents are on the watch, putting up Christmas lights and trees, as well as buying and ordering gifts. But will we be ready to greet Jesus when He comes? Will we re-order our lives and take advantage of a God-given fresh start?
Today’s readings address God in prayer: “Would that You might meet us doing right!” (Is 64:4) Would that God might meet us at the manger, ready to welcome His Infant Son Jesus! May He meet us doing the works of mercy and serving Him in the poor. Watch, wait, and welcome the Lord this new Church year.
Prayer: Father, I ask You for the grace to love You so deeply that I can stay alert for You.
Promise: “What I say to you, I say to all: Be on guard!” —Mk 13:37
Praise: “Be exalted above the heavens, O God; above all the earth be Your glory!” (Ps 57:12)
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
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