First Sunday of Advent, November 30, 2025
A few years ago, I asked my pastor whether Jesus will be happy or not when He returns. And, without hesitation, he said Jesus will be very happy because Jesus is the God of joy.
And, I believe that’s true: Jesus is the God of joy. But, for those who do not follow Jesus, and are unrepentant, they, sadly, will not be as happy as our Lord. And that’s why the second reading from Saint Paul and our Gospel offer words of warning: Paul says that, if we are asleep spiritually, it’s time to awake. And, Jesus said, don’t ignore the spiritual reality of my return because you will end up like the people in Noah’s day who ignored God until it was too late.
…Advent begins with this wake-up call, which is not just about preparing for Christmas or family gatherings; it’s also about preparing our souls to meet Jesus, whether He comes at the end of our lives or at the end of time.
…One of the many blessings of being a priest is witnessing people sincerely preparing to meet Jesus.
For example, when I hear people unburden themselves and clean their souls in Confession; or when I help guide couples to getting their civil marriage blessed, or when I sense someone has received well my encouragement to join us at Mass more; or, when I see all of you here—faithfully—desiring to come closer to Jesus…All of that is such a blessing for me to see as a priest.
And, I want to share one more example: I remember witnessing a certain young man also preparing to meet Jesus.
He was in his early 40s; a paraplegic; a patient at a hospital I was serving at. Years prior, this man suffered a freak accident, injuring his lower back when he fell while under the influence of drugs. Years later, he was being treated at the hospital I served at because his kidneys were failing. His stay lasted approximately three months.
When I attempted to make an initial visit, he screamed at me when I offered to pray with him. I didn’t take it personally, as he was in a very difficult situation but continued to follow-up: I would run errands for him, bringing him coffee from Tim Hortons, or he would give me cash, and I would buy him scratch off tickets from the convenient store across the street.
And, slowly, we were able to have a warmer relationship, although, unfortunately, he was becoming increasingly belligerent with the nurses and physically lashed out at one. So, the hospital was forced to place him in a more isolated area with a guard in front of his door.
During those days, his health began to deteriorate more rapidly. He even had a heart attack but was revived. And, as I continued to visit this man, one of the guards, apparently a Catholic, expressed that he feared this patient would die soon and asked if I could give him the Sacrament of the Sick. I said I would try, although I expressed that I had difficulty praying with him previously.
So, with some trepidation, I mustered up the courage, walked into his room, and said to the man, “I would be honored if you would allow me to say a prayer with you.” And he very humbly said, “Yes. That would be fine.” And we prayed together. And, I could tell, he was praying too. I then gave him the Sacrament of the Sick, which forgave all his sins, and, then, I gave him the “apostolic pardon” prayer, which forgives even purgatory.
The next week, I left for vacation, and, upon returning, was told the gentleman passed from another heart attack.
…When I heard that, my heart sank; I felt really bad for him. I was also upset no one told me that he had died because I really cared about this guy. But, I was also so grateful to God for that security guard to care enough for this very troubled—and, at times, unpleasant—patient: Caring enough to ask me to give him the Last Rites.
…And, as highlighted by the concern of that security guard who encouraged me to try to pray again with this patient—it highlights that we’re all in this together: I support you, but you support me too, as we prepare to meet Jesus. It is going to happen one way or another: Whether it’s when He returns in glory or when we meet Him at our individual passing.
…Ask Jesus to give you the strength and inspiration to come closer to Him this Advent, so that, when we do meet Him, we too can be just as happy as He is.