FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT B
GIVING A WARM WELCOME
MK. 13: 33-37
MESSAGE:
I fondly recall my mom, who was a gracious host, and how eagerly she welcomed visitors into our home, even the unexpected ones. She would promptly offer refreshments and engage in conversation, sharing laughter or tears with them. In our busy times, we often fail to appreciate visitors, especially those who arrive unannounced. They seem to intrude on our privacy, disrupt our plans, and upset our daily routines. The burden of entertaining, feeding, and accommodating them weighs heavily on us. Nevertheless, Advent serves as a reminder of the significance of unexpected visitations.
‘Be watchful! Be alert!… watch!’ Why? Because the Lord Jesus comes unannounced, unexpected, and even uninvited. He arrives in the form of a man or woman we least expect, or perhaps even wish to avoid. He emerges through events we have not foreseen, in places and at times that don’t align with our plans or itineraries. Moreover, He visits us when we are unprepared, as we are occupied, unwell, exhausted, or preoccupied with various concerns. The Gospel reminds us that to encounter the Lord Jesus during these days of preparation, joy, and hope, we must be attuned to His presence, which may not manifest as we traditionally anticipate.
REFLECT:
In your present circumstances, especially when dealing with illness, difficulty, or confusion, the Lord arrives to pay you a visit. Be receptive to His presence by learning to appreciate the small blessings, the kindness you receive, and the gentle solace that accompanies prayer and service.
“In these days leading up to Christmas, the birth of Jesus, the Prince of Peace, let us pray for peace in the world’s war-torn regions, and let us become instruments of peace in our homes and communities.”
