Is. 63:16b-17; 64:1, 64:3-8; 1 Cor. 1:3-9; Mk. 13:33-7
Today, as we begin the season of Advent, 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, be prepared, for the master may return at any moment.
Today's First Reading shines in the grace of God. It echoes Divine love that is forgiving towards those who live righteously. As we heard, God gladly meets those who do right, those who remember Him and His Holy ways. And St. Paul affirms during the reading of the First Letter to the Corinthians, the grace of God flows abundantly towards those who walk their living faith in Jesus Christ.
But for those who turn their hearts away from the Lord, God treats them as children, disciplining them as a loving Father. [Heb. 12:8] Allowing all to enjoy their free will, the Lord permits them for some time to stray away from His ways, hardening their hearts so that they do not fear Him.