The Gospel this week captures a central theme of the Advent season: watchfulness and preparation for the coming of Christ. These verses point to both the second coming of Jesus and our need to remain spiritually alert, resisting the distractions and burdens of daily life that can pull us away from God’s presence.
In verses 25-28, Jesus speaks of signs in the natural world—distress among nations and upheavals in the heavens—that signal the coming of the Son of Man. These descriptions are apocalyptic and can evoke fear, but Jesus encourages his followers to respond with hope rather than despair. He tells them to “stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” This is a call to courage and trust in God’s promise of salvation. During Advent, this hope resonates deeply as we prepare to celebrate Christ’s first coming and anticipate his return.
Verses 34-36 remind us of the importance of vigilance. Jesus warns against being weighed down by distractions and the worries of life. These distractions can numb our spiritual sensitivity and make us unprepared for the day of the Lord. Advent is a time to step back from the chaos and busyness of life, to realign our priorities, and to focus on what truly matters. By staying awake and praying, we open our hearts to God’s presence and ensure we are ready to meet Christ, both in the small moments of daily life and in his ultimate return.
The Advent season calls us to live with joyful expectation, but also with intentional preparation. It invites us to let go of the burdens and insensitivities that weigh us down, whether they are material distractions, anxieties, or complacency in our faith. Instead, we are encouraged to keep our eyes on God’s promises and live with a sense of purpose and anticipation.
In this season, may we heed the message of Luke’s Gospel—to stay watchful, prayerful, and hopeful, trusting in the coming redemption and renewing our hearts to receive Christ anew.
Fr Stephen Berecz
