So stay awake, alert!

Matthew 24:37-44

Jesus said to his disciples: The Arrival of the Son of Man will take place in times like Noah’s. Before the great flood everyone was carrying on as usual, having a good time right up to the day Noah boarded the ark. They knew nothing—until the flood hit and swept everything away. “The Son of Man’s Arrival will be like that too: Two men will be working in the field—one will be taken, one left behind; two women will be grinding at the mill—one will be taken, one left behind. So stay awake, alert. You have no idea what day your Master will show up. But you do know this: You know that if the homeowner had known what time of night the burglar would arrive, he would have been there with his dogs to prevent the break-in. Be vigilant just like that. You have no idea when the Son of Man is going to show up.

Food for Thought!

Today we enter the season of Advent: a time of special preparation for the coming of the Lord. This coming happens when our death happens. Until death comes, we rehearsal the Lord's coming in every Advent. Advent is a kind of "lest we forget."

In this passage the one thing that we must retain is the fact that Jesus did foretell that he would come again. The imagery he used we can disregard. What is important to note is that, as Jesus told us many times, history is going somewhere; one day we are going to leave this life; life as we know it will one day end; you and I will die someday. And our death is the end of our world; my end of the world will be my death; your death will be the end of your world. 

Did you notice well how Jesus put it? He said that it will be like in days of Noah: "everyone was carrying on as usual having a good time."  For that reason, we do well to do and be our best in everything. How? By carrying out our ordinary duties extraordinarily well.

Jesus mentioned two sets of people: one set of people is at work (two men will be working in the field), another set of people is at home (two women will be grinding at the mill). It means that the end can find us anywhere, at home or away from home. In any case, do and be your best at work and at home. This is the best way to prepare for the end.

Like we said a few days ago, this reading reminds us to mind our own business because of the two people, who all their worked and lived side by side, will be dealt with individually: Two men will be working in the field—one will be taken, one left behind; two women will be grinding at the mill—one will be taken, one left behind." It means that intimacy with a good or holy person does not necessarily guarantee our own salvation. Goodness and holiness is not transmissible because it is personal; we can neither borrow nor lend holiness and goodness! Living with a righteous or holy person is no guarantee for your own salvation. As St. Paul reminds us "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling." (Phil 2:12).

To make the best use of your life, you must never forget two truths: First, compared with eternity, life is extremely brief. Second, earth is only a temporary residence. You won’t be here long, so don’t get too attached. Ask God to help you see life on earth as he sees it. David prayed, “Lord, help me to realize how brief my time on earth will be. Help me to know that I am here for but a moment more.” (Ps. 39:4) 

Repeatedly the Bible compares life on earth to temporarily living in a foreign country. This is not your permanent home or final destination. You’re just passing through, just visiting earth. The Bible uses terms like alien, pilgrim, foreigner, stranger, visitor, and traveler to describe our brief stay on earth.

David said, “I am but a foreigner here on earth,” (Psalm 119:19) and Peter explained, “If you call God your Father, live your time as temporary residents on earth.” (1 Peter 1:17). The Bible is clear: “Friends, this world is not your home, so don’t make yourselves cozy in it. Don’t indulge your ego at the expense of your soul.” (Psalm 119:147;5:3). God warns us to not get too attached to what’s around us because it is temporary. We’re told, “Those in frequent contact with the things of the world should make good use of them without becoming attached to them, for this world and all it contains will pass away.” (Psalm 34:1).