Reflection on A Different Advent

Therefore, keep awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or at dawn, or else he may find you asleep when he comes suddenly. And what I say to you I say to all: Keep awake.” (See Mark 13:24-37 NRSV).

The Season of Advent is a time like no other. Advent is not a time of business as usual. Advent is a time to wait for what comes with a conclusion that is unique. We walk through a series of days of uncertainty between now and December 24th.

This year Advent is unlike any in years past. We are living through a time of pandemic with sickness, isolation and death like we have never experienced in our lifetime. We will not be celebrating with the familiar end of the year holiday parties, huge family get togethers or the beautiful church services that we look forward to. We will have to be inventive. We will have to adapt. We will have to accept what is, not what we would want things to be.

Advent is taking place. The opportunity to spend time in contemplation of the mystery that God is coming into our hearts and our world to change us from within is still a possibility. We are to prepare for the way God wants to enter in to our lives in the here and now, and find us ready to receive Jesus with adoration and heartfelt thanksgiving.

Let us get up then, at long last, for the scriptures rouse us when they say: It is time for us to arise from sleep (Rom 13:11). Let us open our eyes to the light that comes from God, and our ears to the voice from heaven that every day calls out this charge: If you hear his voice today, do not harden your hearts (Ps. 95:8). (RB 1980: The Rule of St. Benedict in English, p.16).

What do the words “Keep awake” mean for you?

Amen.

Peace be with all who enter here.

Br. Anselm Philip King-Lowe, OSB

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