Happy New Year! Well Happy New Liturgical Year anyway. Today we begin the new liturgical year in the Catholic Church. In addition to being a new year it is also the season of Advent. So… Happy Advent!

When we read today’s Gospel Reading, Luke 21: 25 -28, 34 – 36, we may not think that Advent is all that happy. After all, Jesus is once again telling his disciples of the signs and events preceding the end of the world and what will happen to people. “People will die of fright. That day will assault everyone who lives on the faith of the earth.” I can picture some old fire and brimstone preacher using this reading to really scare the bejeezus out of his congregation. (Now there is a word you just don’t hear every day.)

But if you look a little closer it isn’t as bad as it first sounds.

But when these signs begin to happen, stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand

New American Bible. (2011). (Revised Edition, Lk 21:28). Washington, DC: The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

In other words, don’t be afraid, don’t run and hide, because if you are prepared all will be good. Jesus has been telling us for the last few weeks to live with the end in mind. We should live each day like it could be our last and do everything we can to increase our chances of getting to heaven. Jesus certainly provides us with plenty of ways to do this, we only need to follow what He tells us. 

Advent is the time of year to prepare for the two comings of Jesus, the first His birth, the second His reincarnation at the end of time. Ask yourself this question: If you know tomorrow will be the last day you will be here, what would you do differently? What would you do to increase the chances of Jesus saying “Come on in!”

How about some Advent Reading from Amazon? 

Perfectly Yourself: Discovering God’s Dream for You (New & Revised Edition)