Advent B:Is 63:16-17; 64:1.3-8; 1 Cor 1:3-9; Mk 13:33-37

Advent is a season of hope. It is a period when, as Christians, we await the fulfilment of the promise of God through his prophets. In addition to being a season of hope, it is equally a season of patience and prayer. What are we expected to do during these four weeks? We are expected to prepare for the birth of the Messiah. It suffices to note that while we prepare physically, the most important must be spiritual preparation.

In the First Reading today, we have words from the prophet Isaiah.

This section of Isaiah was written at the time when the Jewish people were up in Babylon and praying to God that they would be able to return to their own country, rebuild their temple, and once again be at peace in their own homes. It was a desperate time because they were enslaved. It was a time when many felt that God had abandoned them. And that’s why Isaiah says, “Would that you would rend the heavens and come down as you did in the olden days with Moses and the people who were in slavery in Egypt and the wonders that you did.

“Why do you not see us? Yes, we have sinned, but you are a forgiving God; you care for us. Why do you hide from us? Is it that you’re angry with us?”

Of course, the thing that makes this a lovely passage is to know that, in the harshest and most difficult of times, the prophet is speaking like a man in terrible need of God Himself. Not just to know that God exists but to feel His strength, to feel that He is once again manifesting Himself to His people.

And where do we find this hidden God?

Well, there’s an old story about Omar, the candle maker. Omar, the candle maker, is outside his house, and he’s busy looking through the grass. He’s feverishly looking for something when his neighbour comes and asks, “Omar, what are you looking for?” And he says, “I lost my wallet, and I’m trying to find my wallet.”

And his friend says, “Well, where did you lose it?”

He says, “I lost it in my house, in my bedroom.”

And he says, “Well, why aren’t you in your house and bedroom searching for it?”

And he says, “Oh, it’s too dark in there. It’s much nicer to search out here in the sunshine.”

The meaning of this story is that we’re always looking for God in the wrong places. Advent is the time to search, and to search for where we can find him.

Today, we are reminded by the words of our Jesus to "Beware, keep alert, for you do not know when the time will come." These words from the Gospel of Mark (13:31-37) echo a profound truth about our existence—life is uncertain, and the future is unknown. In this passage, Jesus uses the imagery of a man going on a journey, leaving his servants with specific tasks and urging the doorkeeper to be watchful. The underlying message is clear: Stay awake and be prepared, for the master may return at any moment.

 Jesus calls his disciples to focus on the immediate events that will take place in the near future. He gives the example of the faithful and trustworthy servants who behave loyally during the absence of his master.  They have their responsibilities and they know what they are supposed to do.  If they are faithful, they will carry out all those tasks given to them whether the master is present or not.  When the master eventually returns, the faithful servants will be in good stead because they have done what they were supposed to do. They have done their task with diligence and loyalty.

As we embark on this Advent journey, let us commit ourselves to a vigilant and prepared way of living. Let our hearts be open to God's guidance and let us actively engage in the work of love and compassion. Advent is a season of giving and goodwill. Incorporate acts of kindness into our daily routine, whether it's volunteering, donating to charity, or reaching out to someone in need. Use this time to spread joy and love. By doing so, we honor the words of Jesus when He says, "And what I say to you, I say to all: Keep awake."