STAY AWAKE!

Sunday Gospel Reflection
1st Sunday of Advent
Matthew 24:37-44 | November 27, 2022

STAY AWAKE!
Joanne R. Bantang, Ministry of Lectors and Commentators

There is a game show called ‘Awake’ where sleep-deprived individuals are given challenges that test their agility, endurance, coordination, memory, alertness, and reflexes. The game assumes the limitations of our body when we are sleepy, drowsy, or asleep, and that victory and rewards are more difficult to attain when we are in those states. You can observe that those who really want to win give everything in their power to stay awake.

This Sunday’s readings also challenge us to stay awake and be vigilant. What does ‘staying awake’ mean? Our catechism teaches us that it is being ready for our particular judgment when we die [CCC 1022], as well as the Last Judgement [CCC 1038]; and for both of these occasions, the gospel reminds us that we do not know the hour nor the day [Mt 24:36].

Practically, the readings gave examples on how to ‘stay awake’—by throwing off the works of darkness and conducting ourselves properly [Rom 13:12] and living our daily lives walking in God’s path [Is 2:3], in the light of God [Is 2:6]. There are few cited specific examples of unacceptable behaviors like drunkenness, promiscuity and lust, rivalry, and jealousy. If we examine these behaviors, these feature a life lacking in virtues such as chastity, temperance, charity, and humility. And most of the time, if truth be told, it is difficult to stay virtuous while it is easy to become lazy in our life of faith.

I’ve observed that I have my own ‘sleep-inducing’ sins—sins that I commit and need to confess over and over again. At first, I was not conscious of these things; I just confessed my sins. It was only after watching a video about confession (check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K1ZDnh-d9Es) when I learned that aside from mentioning the sins, it is also ok to tell if those sins are the ones that you always find yourself struggling with. As a result, I became more self-aware of my ‘sleep-inducing’ sins and more vigilant when I am in situations that can lead me to those sins. In a sense, I try to ‘stay awake’.

I find that aside from my own efforts, including being self-aware of my own frailties, praying regularly, receiving sacraments, doing productive work, and being with good company help me ‘stay awake’. Of course, it is easier said than done. But, just like the ‘Awake’ contestants who happily did everything in their power to stay awake in order to win the prize money, we, too, need to focus our hearts and mind on our real prize: the house of the Lord [Ps 122:1]. Let us heed the invitation in the first reading to climb the Lord’s mountain [Is 2:3] and let’s go there, rejoicing!

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