BETWEEN GOD'S FAITHFULNESS AND BEING ALERT

BETWEEN GOD'S FAITHFULNESS AND BEING ALERT

I mentioned recently that with this time as Advent arrives, we begin a new liturgical year, for which we have left another year behind by celebrating the feast of Christ the King. But this new liturgical year wants to remind us that in our life as Christians it involves newness, in Christ there is newness and Christians must live in confirmation of the new, of what is yet to come and that has been promised to us in Christ: new life.

Advent is the previous and preparatory time to celebrate the long-awaited Christmas each year. And during this time of Advent we will make some stops for meditations and reflections on our Christian walk and work on what must be improved in each one, according to what Christ asks of us.

The reading of the prophet Isaiah (Is 63, 16b-17. 19b; 64, 2b-7) reminds us of God's faithfulness to his people, even if his people have not behaved in accordance with God's will. Despite this, God's people can expect fidelity and commitment to life from God who loves them unconditionally, and therefore forgiveness will be an expression of love and the opportunity to begin again.

At the same time, we are called to reflect, to conversion, to accept God's forgiveness and be faithful to him. Today's gospel (Mark 13, 33 -37) reminds us of the need to be vigilant, because no one knows the day nor the hour in which God will come to each one to ask an account. Being aware of this inevitable truth and living according to God's will. This helps us to be available and prepared to be in the presence of God in the least expected moment, just as Christ invites us. Amen.

Fr. Carlos Flores, OSA