First Sunday of Advent, 2024

When I first moved into Fourteen Holy Helpers, I was pretty relaxed because I had just begun two weeks vacation; a staycation.

But, when that vacation ended, I realized I needed to set up my office. So, I busied myself with getting a cheap computer, monitor, downloading software, updating software, etc. Then, I was made aware I needed to have a second office at Saint Gabriel’s. So, I purchased another cheap computer through Facebook marketplace, worried about getting robbed during that transaction, updated software, got another cheap monitor, etc., etc. 


And, in that time, I was filled with anxiety; anxiety for seemingly no reason. Nothing important was happening; I was just setting up my offices. 


Then, I understood why I felt the way I did. It wasn’t for no reason. It was because I wasn’t praying as I should; my relationship with Jesus was suffering. The source of my peace was being neglected. And I was trading that peace from Jesus for the busyness of purchasing and setting up things. I was suffering because, again, I wasn’t spending enough time with Jesus in prayer.


…I share this because Jesus says that those who follow Him, when He comes on the last day, should stand up straight and raise their heads because their redemption is at hand. But, then, Jesus gives a warning: “Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life.”


I think it’s “the anxieties of daily life” that creep up on almost everyone, especially as we approach Christmas.


To heed this warning from Jesus, we need a steady diet of prayer every single day. We should add it to our daily reminders; to our daily calendars; because daily anxieties easily distract from Him; and the value of prayer easily forgotten. Then, we wonder why we’re so anxious for no good reason.


Setting a timer for five minutes and doing absolutely nothing except for focusing on Jesus is something I do, and is the antidote to anxiety, depression, meaninglessness, and every sort of thing that bothers us. 


…May we heed Jesus’ warning that our hearts not become drowsy as we begin Advent.




Click to view Scripture readings:

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/120124.cfm

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