Watch and Pray: How to Be Alert in Advent

The Gospel passage for the first Sunday of Advent is taken from the thirteenth chapter of Mark, where Jesus gives his disciples a series of teachings about the end times and his second coming. He warns them of the tribulations and persecutions that they will face and urges them to be faithful and vigilant. He uses the image of a man who travels abroad and leaves his servants in charge of his house, each with his own task. He also orders the gatekeeper to be on the watch for his return, which could happen at any time. He concludes by saying, “What I say to you, I say to all: ‘Watch!’”

This passage is relevant for us today, as we begin the season of Advent, a time of waiting and preparation for the coming of Christ, both at Christmas and at the end of time. It challenges us to ask ourselves: How are we watching and waiting for the Lord? How are we fulfilling our tasks as his servants? How are we staying alert and ready for his return?

Here are some ways that we can be watchful and alert during Advent:

• Watch and pray. Prayer is the essential way of communicating with God and staying connected to him. It helps us to discern his will, to receive his grace, and to grow in his love. By praying daily, we can keep our hearts and minds focused on the Lord and his promises. We can also pray with the Scriptures, especially the Advent readings, which reveal God’s plan of salvation and his coming in glory.
• Watch and serve. Service is the practical way of expressing our love for God and our neighbor. It helps us to use our gifts and talents for the good of others, to share our resources with those in need, and to build up the kingdom of God. By serving daily, we can show our gratitude to the Lord and our solidarity with his people. We can also serve with joy, knowing that we are doing his will and preparing for his reward.
• Watch and learn. Learning is the intellectual way of deepening our knowledge of God and his truth. It helps us to understand our faith, to defend it against errors and attacks, and to share it with others. By learning daily, we can enrich our minds and souls with the wisdom and beauty of God. We can also learn from the saints, especially the Advent saints, who exemplify the virtues and values of the season.
• Watch and hope. Hope is the spiritual way of trusting in God and his providence. It helps us to overcome fear, doubt, and despair, and to embrace his mercy and peace. By hoping daily, we can strengthen our confidence and joy in the Lord and his promises. We can also hope with patience, knowing that he is faithful and that he will come at the right time.

As we enter this Advent season, let us heed the words of Jesus and be watchful and alert. Let us watch and pray, watch and serve, watch and learn, and watch and hope. Let us prepare ourselves for his coming, and welcome him into our lives.