by Br. Mark Orcutt, O.S.B.

     This Sunday begins the Advent Season, the watching and waiting for the coming of Jesus at Christmas; it is also the beginning of the new Church year.

     In today's Gospel Jesus uses a short parable that attracts the attention of all of us.  No one wants to have their home broken into.  A burglar not only takes our property but he also violates our privacy.  When you return to your home after a burglary the drawers have been opened, closets have been ransacked and jewelry boxes have been overturned.  For months after, the owner thinks “If I only did this or that the break in might not have happened.”  This is Jesus’ point in today’s parable; be prepared so you don’t have to say “If only…”  What are we to be prepared for?  The coming of the Son of Man, the coming of Christ.  Jesus’ comparing Himself to a thief is notable.  For a thief to break in is a bad thing, but for Jesus to come is a good thing; but it is also a moment of judgement.  Jesus makes this point clear, it is our responsibility to be prepared.

     And how are we to be prepared?  We are to be free from the guilt of sin and for this we have the Sacrament of Reconciliation, confession.  We are to be united with Christ as far as we can be and for this we have frequent Holy Communion.  We are to know Jesus and love Him; for this we have the Gospels and the whole Bible by which we hear the voice of Christ; and we have prayer where we can talk with Him.  We are to grow like Christ by the practice of virtues.  The infused virtues of faith, hope and charity and other virtues like patience in the face of trouble, courage in the face of opposition to our beliefs, and prudence in making the right choices.  Our whole life should be a preparation for the coming of the Son of Man and, if that is the case, He will find us awake.

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