Be vigilant at all times
and pray that you have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent and to stand before the Son of Man.
Be vigilant at all times
and pray that you have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent and to stand before the Son of Man.
First Sunday of Advent
December 2, 2018
Luke 21:25-28, 34-36
Imagine, if you will, a mine cave in. In the total darkness, deep in the earth, a survivor quietly lies in the dampness. No food. No water. No company. He is the only survivor. For three days he waits in a small pocket of air in the darkness. At times he thinks he hears faint sounds that may mean rescue. But he is never sure. Above ground family members wait while rescue workers do their best afraid of what they may find. Hope drives them on. And then it happens: a beam of light shines through into the pocket of air; a voice speaks through a tiny opening. The workers find energy renewed. While lifeless bodies are later brought up to sorrow, all rejoice that one has been found alive. This image is our story this season: a people in darkness who have seen a great light; a people waiting for the rescue that has come. We tell it as a reminder that no matter how threatening, how hopeless, or how dark the situation of our lives may become, no matter what caves in on us, or how we may feel alone, our rescue is near, and our hope is justified by a savior who is worthy of our trust.
Fr. Tom Boyer
Photo by Iswanto Arif on Unsplash