The word "watch" was just used four times in the nine lines of this gospel passage: watch, watch, watch, watch!
Today we begin a new liturgical year with the Season of Advent in a "watchful" mode – the same mode as we ended the old liturgical year last Sunday. What we are watching for on this Sunday is the same object as last Sunday – Christ the King who is to come at the end of the world – as Judge.
If anything that we learned from the Scripture readings and homilies last year made any impact on us – we will understand how important it is to be in a "watchful, alert" kind of mode! For if we believe what Jesus said and did, then we will also believe it when he says that he will come suddenly – and those who are "watchful and alert" will be the ones who will find eternal reward with him!
We watch by prayer! We watch by studying the documents of the church! We watch by reading and listening to Scripture! We watch by going to church and receiving the sacraments: especially the greatest gift of all: Holy Communion! We watch by going to confession to keep the channels of grace flowing freely! We watch by going out from Mass to love one another in our own life settings – but also by reaching out to as many others as we possibly can – Catholics, non-Catholics – anyone and everyone! We watch by keeping our eyes fixed on the Cross of Christ Jesus – and by willingly and joyfully carrying our own!
While we continue to wait for the full revelation of the Lord this day let us turn our face to God and pray that he show us his face – and we shall be safe today and in the days to come: including the Last One!
Show us O Lord, your love;
and grant us your salvation!
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