Mk 13:33-37
[Jesus said to his disciples,] 33“Be watchful! Be alert! You do not know when the time will come. 34It is like a man traveling abroad. He leaves home and places his servants in charge, each with his work, and orders the gatekeeper to be on the watch.
35Watch, therefore; you do not know when the lord of the house is coming, whether in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or in the morning. 36May he not come suddenly and find you sleeping. 37What I say to you, I say to all: ‘Watch!’ ”
Reflection:
Be watchful! Be alert! What does it mean to be watchful and alert?
First, it is to be in charge. The man in the Gospel “places his servants in charge.” To be watchful and alert is to take control of our lives, to be responsible for our actions, and to decide for ourselves. A father leaving for abroad calls his son and tells him, “You are now the man of the house, you are now in charge. Take care of your mother.” And the son acts accordingly. He is watchful and alert.
Second, it is to do one’s work. We have particular roles to play in this life. God has blessed us with unique gifts, different from the rest. We will be great not in comparison with others but only by being the radiantly beautiful persons God has meant us to be. For this we have to be watchful and alert of the talents God has gifted us with.
Light a home-made Advent wreath in your home. Every Sunday, give one positive feedback to each member of your household.