St. patrick Church 

Reflection from Father Moser on this Weekend's Readings

Before boarding a helicopter last January, Kobe Bryant and his daughter went to Mass; they did not know that the helicopter would crash. They were, though, watchful and alert to the importance of being prepared when the end of their earthly life came unexpectedly.    

In the Gospel this Sunday we hear Jesus say to his disciples: “Be watchful! Be alert! ... May he [the Lord] not come suddenly and find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to all: Watch!” Personally, I think we are now more watchful than ever because of the coronavirus. During the past eight months we were watching for any sign of symptoms of the Covid 19 within ourselves, our co-workers, our classmates, and our family members. We’re watchful about trying to prevent the spreading of this virus. We hear every cough or sneeze made by our children, spouse, family member, neighbor, classmate, acquaintance, or fellow shopper.

During the Advent season 2020 let’s be alert and watchful in our spiritual life. Throughout Advent we are to prepare our hearts for Christmas; in addition, we need to be mindful or watchful for signs of God’s presence in our lives now. As children of God by baptism, we can rely upon the Holy Spirit to keep us watchful and alert for the many small ways that God reveals himself in our daily lives. The Lord comes to us in the ordinary happenings and moments of our lives.

One way to train ourselves in watchfulness is to utilize the nightly practice of the Examen. Saint Ignatius of Loyola created this daily reflection or examination. The Examen involves reviewing the past day, remembering times or moments when God might have gifted us with grace. Did someone compliment you? Did you gain a sudden insight into resolving a problem? Were you awestruck by the sunrise or sunset, the bright stars or the sound of a bird singing? When did you feel most uplifted or joyful during the day? At what moment did you feel most loved? These can be seen as gifts from God, signs of His love.   

We are truly God’s people, waiting and watching. I am praying that everyone will have a spiritually fruitful Advent season and grow in watchfulness. 

Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus!