As I read the Gospel reading, a feeling of uneasiness came over me. Are we ready? Where are we going? Fear of the unknown is a real feeling, but we CAN know, with confidence, our destination. My whole conversion time period has been focused on this reading of being ready. As the Gospel states today, we cannot become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness. We do not want to live like people of earth, but as people of God. Jesus is the Alpha and the Omega. The beginning and the end. What a perfect time of the year to begin a new season. Let’s live as Jesus wants us to. Let us use this time of advent to become more like Jesus and to have a blameless heart and a Holy life. Let our lives reflect the call of Jesus. Do we live the life Jesus expects of us? Do we help people in need? Do we show Love? Jesus is Love. Ask yourself this question, “When I am around people, do they see me or do they see Jesus.“ The focus needs always to be on Jesus and not us. In this new season of advent, let us begin anew. One way to do this is through confession. For me, confession was one of the biggest obstacles but now I understand and enjoy going as the weight of my sins is lifted. When I go to confession and talk to a priest (In persona Christi,) I feel I own up to my sins. Proverbs 24:16 says, “… a man falls seven times a day.” WOW. I encourage you to go to confession so you, too, can feel the weight of sin lifted. Let’s live a life of service and love! So no matter when the time is we want Jesus to say to us well done good and faithful servant. You lived your life like me one of service and Love. Let this be the day to give all your worries and problems to Jesus. Let him be the Lord of your life.
“Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope.” 1 Peter 3:15
God Bless,
Don Barry