So, Advent begins – a time of waiting, a time of preparation, a time for vigilance, and a time for action.  In the gospel, we are invited to ponder the time of Noah and the Ark, “As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of God”. In the description that follows, people are living their daily lives – “eating and drinking, marrying and being given in marriage”.  The gospel says, “they did not know until the flood came and carried them away. So will it also be at the coming of the Son of God”.  If they had known, they would have been prepared. “So too we must be prepared for we know not when Christ will come.”  This gospel is encouragement and warning – be awake, be attentive, don’t miss God’s grace. We can miss Christ in our daily lives, not recognize Christ in our midst, not recognize the invitation of fresh grace. 

 

So, it seems like the quality of one’s preparation is something vitally important – something that requires intention and action.  Some in Noah’s time were not prepared. Are we prepared for the second coming, are we prepared to welcome Christ into our hearts and minds anew this Advent? 

 

The first reading from Isaiah will end with this verse – “O house of Jacob, come, let us walk in the light of the Lord!” The reading from the letter to the Romans, will end with the directive to “put on the Lord Jesus Christ”. 

 

We will live this Advent like the ones of previous years – day by day, a daily pilgrimage to God’s mountain as described in Isaiah, a daily journey. The gospel is encouraging us to be ready, to not be caught unaware of God’s grace and presence. 

 

So, how will you, in your daily life this Advent, prepare to let Christ's light into your life, and how will you be the light of Christ for others?