Revelation 22:1-7,
Psalm 95: 1-2.3-5.,
Luke 21:34-36 Full Readings
Saint James of the MarcheAnd therefore, Stay Awake
Brethren, St John in the first Reading describe magnificently the city where the throne of God and of the Lamb are. The beautiful description arouses the desire to be in that city. The world in which we live today has lost the sense of reverence for God. Technology is deified and worshipped by many in place of God. Many people do not even pray, or even talk of going to church. Many Christians go to church/worship God only when they want something from God. After they get what they seek, they mind their business and leave God out. Those who serve God in Spirit and in Truth are persecuted by religious fanatics in different ways. In the midst of all this evil, one cannot but cry out Maranatha – come! Come Lord Jesus!
This magnificent description of heaven by John should inspire us to work for it and on this last day of the liturgical year, the Gospel tells and encourages us to always stay awake as we wait for Christ's return and avoid debauchery, drunkenness and cares of life so that the last day will not take us as a trap. Let’s look at these temptations.
First, we are warned against carousing and drunkenness. This certainly applies on a literal level, meaning, we should obviously avoid abusing drugs and alcohol. But it also applies to numerous other ways that we are made “drowsy” through a lack of temperance. Abuse of alcohol is only one way of escaping from the burdens of life, but there are many ways we can do this. Any time we give in to an excess of one sort or another, we begin to let our hearts become drowsy on a spiritual level. Whenever we seek momentary escapes from life without turning to God, we allow ourselves to become spiritually drowsy.
Second, this passage identifies “the anxieties of daily life” as a source of becoming drowsy. So often we do face anxiety in life. We can feel overwhelmed and overly burdened by one thing or another. When we feel burdened by life, we tend to look for a way out. And far too often, the “way out” is something that makes us spiritually drowsy.
Jesus speaks this Gospel as a way of challenging us to remain awake and vigilant in our life of faith. This happens when we keep the truth in our minds and hearts and our eyes on the will of God. The moment we turn our eyes to the burdens of life and fail to see God in the midst of all things, we become spiritually drowsy and begin, in a sense, to fall asleep.
As the liturgical year comes to a close, today, reflect upon the fact that God is calling you to become wide awake. He wants your full attention and He wants you completely sober in your life of faith. Put your eyes on Him and let Him keep you continually prepared for His imminent return.
Let us Pray
Lord Jesus, rouse my spirit to the truth that this world is passing away. Give me a lively faith, a joyful hope, and a fervent love to see you face to face when you return in glory. Amen
Be blessed
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