From Scripture

                                  Mark 13:33-37,
                                  Be watchful, be alert

                                  This gospel is from the first Sunday of Advent.  We are preparing to celebrate the birth of Our Lord, his first coming.  Christmas is a time of joy, for Jesus came to us in human form to redeem us from our sins.
                                   But Advent is a time for us to prepare for when Jesus comes again.  In the Creed we say, ".......... he will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead."  We don't know when this will happen.  It could be tomorrow; it will certainly be when we die.  Jesus' message is to be watchful and alert for his coming.
                                   To be watchful involves getting our individual lives in order.  Christ gave us the sacraments so we can do this, especially the Sacrament of Penance.  Being in a state of grace means we are prepared to meet Jesus.
                                    However, this preparation involves each of us gathering the harvest.  It means each of us being a missionary in our lives so everyone may come to know and love the Lord when they come face to face with God.