Reflections on the Readings from Sunday, December 2nd: The First Sunday of Advent

Lk 21:25-28, 34-36

Jesus said to his disciples:
"There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars,
and on earth nations will be in dismay,
perplexed by the roaring of the sea and the waves.
People will die of fright
in anticipation of what is coming upon the world,
for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.
And then they will see the Son of Man
coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
But when these signs begin to happen,
stand erect and raise your heads
because your redemption is at hand.


"Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy
from carousing and drunkenness
and the anxieties of daily life,
and that day catch you by surprise like a trap.
For that day will assault everyone
who lives on the face of the earth.
Be vigilant at all times
and pray that you have the strength
to escape the tribulations that are imminent
and to stand before the Son of Man."

What do I remember from this reading?

The line "But when these signs begin to happen, stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand." really seems to call to me in this reading. In the midst of all the chaos and disaster that is to come, those who have put their faith in God, and who love Jesus with all their hearts are not to fear. This doesn't mean that you will not have fear in you, for that is an emotion...a feeling that is spontaneous  but rather you should set aside that fear and trust that your reward is near.

How does this relate to my current situation on my path towards the kingdom?

I can't even count the number of times I've found myself back at "square one"...the number of times that I've felt that my entire world was crashing down around me. I've been in the deep dark pit of depression and despair, and I have an idea that I know a little of what the end times might be like. I know that I've felt where there was no hope, and that things were truly at an end. I also know that being an atheist convert I've felt those dark times both with and without a trust in God. I can tell you without a shadow of a doubt (pun intended) that it's so much easier to climb out of that hole with help, and I've never felt a more strong and sure hand as the one offered to me by Jesus.

How does this call me to better myself?

I have to look to my son, who seems to be an absolute rock in times like those, and put aside my worry. Rather, I should focus my attention on God and his will for me. It's not easy to let go, but it is necessary. It's like when you're learning to swim. You're in the pool. The waves are lapping around your face. Your little hands cling to the side of the pool where it's safe. Yet, out in the water are other kids splashing, laughing and having a great time. Your parent comes over and gently trying to pry you from the side, but in your limited understanding of the way things work, you cling to the safety that you know...yet these hands that are pulling you will not let you go under, and not let you drown. If us as parents, in all our broken human failings would never let that happen, how much more sure could you be in God never letting you go?