A Few Words On "The Word"

December 3, 2006
The 1st Sunday in Advent, Year B

Luke 21:25-28, 34-36

Stay the Course

Do you ever feel burnt out? Just totally drained? It's typical that many people feel a little stressed this time of year, especially students. Papers and projects are due and finals are coming soon. Christmas is right around the corner and it seems that the number of names on your gift list is endless.

Lucky for us we can see the end in sight. The semester is almost over and Christmas is less than a month away. We can see the deadlines to work for and know, if we can survive, everything will be better. That's not necessarily the case with what Jesus is talking about in today's gospel.

Once again Jesus is speaking about the end of the world. The same doom and gloom is even more immanent. Jesus knows that it's natural for humans to be afraid and anxious, especially about the prospect of the world coming to an end. He also realizes that stress occurs on a daily basis because of our human condition. We easily become overwhelmed and worry that we won't complete all the tasks assigned.

In the same way, we can also become spiritually drained. Often, because of our daily stress, we begin to push our relationship with God down our list of things to do. Other times, we realize that building God's kingdom is a very difficult and demanding task. Sometimes it seems that turning our back would be so much easier than pressing forward in love.

Jesus warns us about becoming tired and complacent. Unlike finals week or Christmas, we have no idea when Jesus will return. As a result we must continuously be watching and ready for what Jesus refers to as our day of redemption. Jesus basically wants us to realize that he will return in glory. We shouldn't be cowering in fear and dread! Jesus' return is something we should be excited about!

The advent season is all about spiritual growth through waiting. We know that a child will be born on Christmas to offer the promise of salvation. In a sense, Advent is practice for the much longer wait we have for Jesus' ultimate return. We must continue to vigilantly await the Messiah's arrival both Christmas and the end of time, giving priority to live out Jesus' understanding of the Reign of God in each and every one of the numerous tasks life offers.

Reflection Question

In what ways do you respond when you feel physically and spiritually drained?
In what ways can you make the connection of waiting for Christmas and waiting for Jesus' return?

Join us in our Forum to discuss these questions!