“they were eating and drinking...
they did not know until the flood came and carried them away.”
In today’s Gospel, Jesus points out that just like in the time of Noah, nobody was ready for the flood, so too the people of this age will not be ready when Jesus comes again. Christ teaches us to “stay alert”, and know the hour is at hand. We also heard similar things in the second reading when St. Paul told the Romans to stay awake, stay away from the temptations of the flesh, and to put on Jesus Christ.
In the Byzantine rite of the Catholic Church the phrase “be attentive” is used often. The phrase is especially used before the congregation hears the Word of God, and before the consecration of the bread and wine, “Let us stand aright, let us stand in awe, let us be attentive to offer the holy oblation in peace." [1] As we are attentive at the Divine Liturgy, we are to be attentive in life. As we wait for the Word and the Word made flesh in the Eucharist, we also wait for the second coming of Our Lord. We must be attentive, if not we will be devoured, the Church prays each Night during Tuesday Night Prayer, “Stay sober and alert. Your opponent the devil is prowling like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, solid in your faith” [2]
What’s wrong with enjoying the things of this world? If God made it, and he said it was good why can’t we enjoy it? The things of this world can be good, and when we enjoy them with temperance and moderation, they are fine. However when they become our God, when we focus on them more than on God who made them, then we are sinning. St. John wrote, “Do not love the world or the things of the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, sensual lust, enticement for the eyes, and the pretentious life, is not from the Father but is from the world. Yet the world and its enticement are passing away. But whoever does the will of God remains forever.” [3] As part of our daily spiritual exercises as Catholics, we should remember that in all things of the world we always ask two questions. These two questions can save our soul from being consumed by the world. “As to my eating, drinking, sleeping, and amusements, I should use all these things with moderation and with a desire to please God.” [4] We should ask ourselves, “Is what I am doing in moderation?” and “Is what I am doing pleasing to God?” Reflection Question: Is there something in my life that I love more than God? What steps will I take to make the will of God my primary focus?
How do I live in the world, but not of the world? We must realize everything has a purpose or is a means to an end. We spoke of marriage as a means to get two spouses to heaven, the end. Concerning anything we are engaged in, we must ask the question, “What is the ultimate end of this”? Is this leading to heaven or away from heaven? Is this leading me anywhere at all?
Think of times when you were wrapped up in the world and not focusing on the Lord.
What are some things you can do to be ready if and when the Lord comes in your lifetime?
Why would the Church choose this reading for Advent? Jesus knows that not everyone will be ready when he comes again, just like the world was not ready when he was born. Few expected the coming of Christ. Most were so focused on their lives and what was important to them in this world, they were blind to the coming of Jesus. [4] The Church realizes that to get in the true spirit of the Christmas season we must prepare ourselves, meditate, and wait in joyful hope just as our ancestors did thousands of years ago. Each night during Wednesday Night Prayer the Church prays Psalm 130 which says, “My soul is waiting for the Lord, I count on his word. My soul is longing for the Lord more than watchman for daybreak. Let the watchman count of daybreak and Israel on the Lord.” The watchman had the night shift, he was working through the night and looked forward to the sun rising because that meant he could get off work and go home, to eat or sleep or simply relax and not be “on guard”.
Sometimes we stare at the clock and could not wait for a particular thing to be over. For example, it could be school or work. If a person has ever had this feeling then they know that their desire is the end, the end of the work or school hours. This is how we count on the Lord, we know he will come and we eagerly await. Psalm 130 is fulfilled in the Eucharist. “My soul is waiting for the Lord, I count on his word”. We know as Catholics that Word became flesh. Christ is among us! Catholics have the Word made flesh in the Eucharist, and we await the second coming, not the first or the rapture.
[1] Byzantine Liturgy Anaphora – similar to the Roman Rite (Canon)
[2] 1 Peter 5:8-9
[3] 1 Jn 15-17
[4] In Conversation with God vol. 1 pg. 2