Ur Sunday Dose: STAY AWAKE! BE PREPARED!

Nov. 28, 2010

First Sunday of Advent
The Beginning of the New Liturgical Year
Cycle A, Year I
Is 2,1-5 || Rom 13,11-14
Mt 24,37-44

STAY AWAKE! BE PREPARED!

I was writing my rendition of Ur Sunday Dose for the 33^rd Sunday in Ordinary Time (entitled “Is It the End?”) when my friend passed by to see what I was doing. He was startled by the reflection and wondered why I was writing such. He tapped me (since I was facing the computer as I was in an internet café then) and said, “Bakit ka ganyan mag-type? Para saan yan? Si Ama lang ang nakakaalam ng wakas natin.”

At first, I wanted to tell him the real intention of such write-up. But eventually, I opted to zip my mouth and reflect on what the coincidence has to tell me. Yes. God alone knows when the end will be, or how will it happen. Even the thought of it takes us out of our minds, and yet, whatever we have in our minds is not enough to portray that horrific, yet glorious moment when the Son of Man will finally come to judge us, and to take the righteous into the ethereal gates of heaven, and the wicked into the burning realm of hell.

We now open the New Liturgical Year (Cycle A, Year I) with this season of Advent; we hear the voice of Jesus speaking to us, “Stay awake! Be Prepared!” At this time of the year, when we are in expectation of the humble coming of Our Lord on Christmas, we are also called to prepare for his Second Coming, the Parousia. We don’t know how it will happen, or when, what’s important is for us to look beyond what we have right now and prepare ourselves for this event.

In today’s circumstances, we have seen and heard lots of stories how people nowadays thoughtlessly lean toward immorality and continue living in sin. Numerous terrorist attacks have been done, we’re hearing in the news of killings, robbery, and lustful activities every now and then. Our government is trying its best to pass bills which would end life and put more money into their pockets. Even our brothers in the faith are now participating in these worthless acts, putting oneself above the other and putting him in utmost shame. This is our world today, and we may admit it or not, but the planet is at its worst, way more sinful than the people of Sodom and Gomorrah.

Of this, Jesus tells us, “Just as in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.” As we all know, the world of Noah is a world of prostitution, greed and gluttony. After Noah entered the Ark, all the Earth was washed up, with all its inhabitants. But our world today is way more evil than that of Noah’s. And given that situation, will the Son of Man come to judge each one of us.

Jesus continues, “Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know when the Son of Man will come.” Like a thief in the night, these things would take place. While everyone is sleeping, or awake enjoying their lives, Jesus would come and visit us. On that day, for sure, everyone will be of awe, repent for their sins but it may just be too late. Those who are found wearing the armor of light and living properly as in the day (Second Reading) will be with God to enjoy His graces as the fulfillment of their good deeds on Earth. All these things on that day and time we do not know, or even expect.

We now light the first candle of Advent, the candle of Hope. We wait for Jesus’ coming with hope in our hearts. We prepare ourselves for remembering his First coming as man there in the manger on that night; likewise, we prepare ourselves for his Second Coming as a merciful judge. We may not know when he will come to judge us, and for sure it will happen, but we are called to prepare for this event. We are to live a very holy life, and to shun the deeds of the night. We are to wake up from our sleep, to rise from our sins, and to hope for the coming of the Real Sun of salvation, which is Jesus Christ.

Yes, it is hard nowadays to live according to God’s will. That’s why we are to dwell ourselves into prayer, to converse with Him. I always say, not on my own strength, but on God’s grace. Yes, He is the only one who could help us live in the right path. Without his inspiration, everything we do would all be in vain. From him comes the grace, for us to use and share with others.

Once again, we begin our journey as Christians in this New Liturgical Year. His call is always fresh and new! Let us heed His call… “Stay Awake! Be Prepared!”

PRAYER

Lord Jesus, as we once again open ourselves to welcome you in this Season of Advent, help us to always stay awake for your coming, not only as a little infant at Bethlehem, but as a Powerful King at the end of time. We do not know when, or how, but we know that you would come in your full power to judge us as our Merciful God.

Jesus, come and enkindle in us that flame of living hope which would help us work untiringly and pray unceasingly as we wait for you. Never leave us in vain, but in your strength and grace, may we always stay awake and be prepared for your coming into our midst. May we always wear the armor of light, which is nobody else but You, and hope on that day when you will come to bring us to eternal happiness with You.

Maranatha! Come Lord Jesus! Amen.

Mary, our Queen and Mother, pray for us.

BïTZëëlöG_112410 :)

===
Nov. 28, 2010

To all our friends at 100% Katolikong Pinoy, and to all the Madlang Faithful, thank you very much from the bottom of my heart for giving me the chance of lighting the first candle of Advent of the Fanpage.

I would also want to thank my Professor, Mrs. Julianne S. Domingo, for the support that she conveyed to me, and for patiently examining my rendition of USD today for possible grammatical errors. You are certainly the Mother of All! Thanks, ma'am!

A chance like such comes once, that's why I would like to thank you all for your continued trust and support. This is something that I cherish and care for, through giving you posts that continue to shape and inspire us.

At the end, I am still the Lord's unworthy writing machine. I entrust all these to our God, the Emmanuel, the powerful King born in a stable for our salvation, with a prayer that he would continue to bless us and guide us especially at our down times.

Once again, thank you, 100% Katolikong Pinoy, and to all who read and support JEM@ Blogger. KUDOS TO ALL OF US!!!

May God bless us now and always! Amen!