Ye Watchers and Ye Holy Ones
First Sunday of Advent
Isaiah 63: 16b–17, 19b; 64:2–7a / Psalm 80:4 / 1 Corinthians 1:3–9 / Mark 13: 33–37
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Reflecting on the Word
By Rev. James A. Wallace, C.Ss.R.
Are you a watcher? Some are people watchers. I remember a former teacher of mine saying how he liked to sit by the window in a restaurant or, if the day was nice, on a park bench, and just watch people go by. It served as a reminder of God’s infinite imagination in creating us. Or, perhaps you are a clock-watcher, checking your watch frequently, even searching to find a clock whenever you enter an unfamiliar place. Clock-watchers tend to be on time and are especially appreciated when running meetings.
Advent calls us to be watchers, but neither of clocks nor of people merely passing by. We are called to be watchers for the Lord’s return. Now this might not seem as interesting as watching people, or as practical as watching the clock, or even as likely to get results, but its importance is on a deeper level. We are called to take seriously Jesus’ promise that he will return and that we are to live now in light of that return, that is, to live in the light this promise offers us for our lives.
As we watch for the Lord’s return in glory, we might catch glimpses of him more frequently here and now because he returns more often than we might suspect, but we miss it because we are not watching for it. So when we hear Jesus commanding his disciples, “Be watchful! Be alert!” this holds for us today—and tomorrow.
Consider/Discuss
- Are you a watcher? Of what?
- In your watching, have you had any experiences of kairos time, those moments of grace when you felt the presence of God, of Christ, of the Holy Spirit?
- Can you become more watchful and grow into a deeper confidence that the Lord will return?
Responding to the Word
Make us a watchful people, Lord, living in such a way that we keep one eye watching for your return, while we meet the challenges of the present. Let us not grow discouraged or fearful that you will not return. Help us recognize how you come even now in your word and in the sacraments. Amen.