Staying Awake to the Invitation of God

The Gospel reading is Matthew 24:36-44

Today is the first Sunday of Advent, the season when we prepare for the coming of Christ—his birth and also the second coming of Christ.

Interpretations of the second coming of Christ are all over the board. Today’s sermon focuses on interpreting today’s Gospel reading.

What is the difference between those who are taken and those who are left behind? Inner vigilance and awareness make the difference.

The coming of Christ can be viewed as God’s invitation into the fullness of human life through Christ, and to that we can be alert amid the bustle and forgetfulness of our daily life. The Lord always is present; we need to be awake to the Christ who always is among us and within us.

The rush of the Christmas season works against the message of the season. The awareness of Spirt brings pleasure, passion and purpose.

How are we to keep aware amid daily activity? We may have the desire but lack the know how. This is where spiritual practices such as daily prayer and meditation, and partaking of spiritual material, are invaluable.

Scripture quotations are from New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.