November 30, 2014 – First Sunday of Advent
Is 63: 16B-17, 19B; 64: 2-7; Ps 80: 2-3, 15-16, 18-19; 1 Cor 1: 3-9; Mk 13: 33-37
On this First Sunday of Advent, we are invited to examine our relationship to God as we prepare for the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. This is a time for us to deepen our connection to the Lord through various opportunities and paths. As sinners we are expected to reconcile with God.
In the Gospel from Mark, Jesus advises us to “Be watchful! Be alert!” The Lord is not speaking about next week, nor even the Christmas for which we prepare. This is something He expects us to do today, this instant. Christ makes reference to a Master who, like God, leaves others in charge of His household. God expects each of us to be stewards of His household.
He has left us His household, His Church, and we are supposed to build and maintain that. He has given us free will; in other words God has given us authority over the gifts He has given us. Finally, He expects each of us to fulfill our role in His Kingdom. Stewardship invites every one of us to participate and to contribute to the good of the whole, our faith community — not next week, not just at Christmas, but now. “God is faithful, and by him you were called to fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” (1 Cor 1: 9)
