Jesus said, “Be on your guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life and that the day does not catch you unexpectedly” (Luke 21:34).
Some time ago I was driving on the QEW. Although it was raining, there was not a lot of traffic on the highway and everything seemed fine. A moment later it started raining heavier and I was having trouble seeing the road ahead. Suddenly, another car in the passing lane flew by me and covered my windshield with water. For a moment I could see nothing. When I regained my ability to see ahead of me, I realized my listening to the radio had distracted me from focusing on what was happening around me. The experience reminded me about the importance of remaining vigilant not just when I am driving but also in other areas of life.
In this passage from Luke, Jesus instructs
his Disciples to remain attentive so the Day of Judgment does not catch them
unprepared. By doing so, he makes clear vigilance is an important quality for a
Disciple.
During Christ’s lifetime, the existence
of various threats enhanced the need for vigilance. Sentries placed by local Rulers
on the walls and gates of cities provided surveillance and warned against
attacks by enemies. Landowners kept their flocks, fields and vineyards under continuous
watch because of the danger posed by thieves and predators. Prophets were
individuals selected by God who remained vigilant and supplied warnings against
Spiritual threats. In his prediction about a future Davidic Ruler, Jeremiah
revealed this leader’s association with a time of Judgment which implied the
need for watchfulness among the faithful. Christ’s Instruction about the End-Times
expanded upon this Prophecy with its focus upon possible distractions. For
Jesus, the End-Times were about the entry of the Righteous into Eternal Life. It
was the period of Redemption. News of Wars, Persecutions and Natural Disasters caused
distress and confusion among people. For the faithful, such anxiety became a potential
distraction. Fear eroded their Hope in the future Mercy of God. Complacency
which resulted from a focus on daily routine was a second possible distraction.
Ordinary Life required one to: earn a living, purchase daily necessities and
carry out family obligations. This drew the faithful away from their Spiritual duties.
Christ recognized the dangers posed by these distractions and warned his Disciples
against them.
Advent is the Season which reminds
Catholics that remaining vigilant in Spiritual matters is their personal
responsibility. Security has become a major preoccupation in our society. At
the airport, passengers go through a metal detector and have their luggage
examined to keep a bomb or weapon from being brought onto the plane. Many cars
and homes have alarm systems which deter theft. Public spaces are monitored by
close circuit television to discourage troublemakers. While such measures
enhance security, they rely on personal involvement: like someone noticing a
suspicious package or switching on their home alarm system. In a similar way,
Catholics have the Bible, Catechism and the Sacraments to help them remain
vigilant in their Spiritual life. Yet, the Bible is just another book unless
you study it. The Catechism can’t help you understand your Faith unless you
read it. The Sacraments must be received to gain the Graces which will help you
to become Holy. It is taking personal responsibility for their Spiritual life
and avoiding whatever might distract them such as disturbing events which happen
in our world or the demands of daily life which helps Catholics to remain
vigilant to developments which may threaten it and respond accordingly.
As I discovered on that rainy day on
the QEW, it is a challenge to remain vigilant all the time. Distractions
include simple things like listening to the radio. However, being distracted
for only a moment can cause big problems. Being a good Disciple means
understanding the value of vigilance in all dimensions of life.
November 28, 2021
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