The Gospel proclaimed yesterday for the beginning of the Advent season contained this admonition: “Therefore, stay awake! For you do not know on which day your Lord will come.” This is a call for watchfulness, to avoid being complacent in some false security. Rather, Jesus tells us, “So too, you also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come." For many people, this translates into the conclusion that God cannot be trusted, because he’s always looking to catch us off guard – a “gotcha” moment. Yet this conclusion is often found in those who are skeptical of the gospel message. But if the Lord is “out to get us,” why would he warn us to be watchful and prepared for the day when he will come?
The answer lies in the truth about our human nature under the effects of original sin. From the moment the serpent tricked Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, mankind has labored with a distrust in God rather than a confidence in Him. From this comes the instinct of self-preservation, thinking we can find security in material things. (Recall the game of Monopoly – amassing properties [houses and hotels] to acquire rent from others in order to “win the game.”) Indeed, there is a false notion that if I enjoy security in this life, that will carry over into the life to come. Really? Then why would Jesus say, “you also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.”
These days of Advent are a built-in time for us each year to get ourselves back on track with the Lord. To prepare is to first “take stock” of where we are at. This is not done by looking around and comparing ourselves to others, noting their faults and concluding that we’re pretty darn good. No, it is principally by immersing ourselves in the Word of God, the Sacred Scriptures, and noticing what that sets off in our thoughts, feelings and desires. Hearing, for example, the scripture readings for Daily Mass is a powerful way to “take stock” of our spiritual lives. (Go to Daily Bible Readings, Audio and Video Every Morning | USCCB)
Many of us want to control the outcome of our lives….and not just our final destination, but also the unfolding of how it will take place. Yet how beautifully the Lord protects us from that knowledge ahead of time. There is a tremendous security in NOT knowing the day nor the hour, nor the manner in which the Son of Man will come for us. If we have faith, however, in the promise of eternal life and how good it will be (See 1 Corinthians 2: 9) that will be our guide in daily life. If we trust in the Lord and his promises, our hearts will find a tremendous peace and security in NOT knowing the details but allowing trust in God to take care of us.
Without being judgmental, just look at the world and the clamor for more of the things this world has to offer. Is not most of it a distraction from the preparedness that Jesus is calling us to live? As your own self-examination this Advent, notice the ways in which you focus on acquiring whatever is “trending” these days. Notice the times when you are concerned about “fitting in,” for yourself, your children or grandchildren. Notice the time you lose worrying about various “what ifs.” Then take all this to prayer and talk to Jesus about each of them.
I believe we all live with way more stress than we should. My simple definition of stress is “the decision to worry about something beyond my control.” Doing so is stepping into God’s role. To the degree that we carry stress on any given day is the degree to which we are taking on God’s role. It’s simply not healthy for us to concern ourselves with things beyond our control. Doing so only increases our anxiety and adds to our mental, physical, and spiritual decline. And why? Because of our lack of faith, we think we have to manage issues by ourselves. That’s not something you’ll find in the Advent readings!
No, Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30) Often we are “weary and burdened” from trying to find security and get control over everything. Again, the devil enjoys throwing doubt and confusion, mistrust and uncertainty our way. In those moments, pause to hear Jesus say, “give it to me.” In the Surrender Novena we pray, “Jesus, I surrender myself to you, take care of everything.”
Advent is our annual season to surrender the stress, to listen more closely to his Holy Word in Sacred Scripture and to give back to God his rightful role that we so easily take on by worrying. Advent is an important time to renew our spiritual preparation for the gift of eternal life and put more energy into preparing our hearts to welcome the Lord than we put into managing our financial portfolio. What will this Advent season say to the Lord about His role in our lives, or rather, the way we honor his role in our lives? Together, let us say, “Come, Lord Jesus!”
