With the start of the season of Advent, we are reminded of the importance of being ready for the end of the world. “Advent” comes from the Latin word “adventus” and means “arrival,” “approach,” or “appearance.” When applied to Jesus, these words remind us of His impending Second Coming, when the grand drama of salvation is brought to a conclusion and we will either stand before Him in glory…or not. Our Gospel this weekend encourages us to engage in behavior that will lead us to embrace Jesus’ coming and not to engage in behavior that would paralyze us. Consider what follows a prepper’s guide for Jesus’ arrival.
In our Gospel this weekend, Jesus tells us not to be dismayed, perplexed, or frightened by what we see occurring around us: There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on earth nations will be in dismay, perplexed by the roaring of the sea and the waves. People will die of fright in anticipation of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken (Luke 21:25-26). These occurrences are merely a precursor to Jesus’ coming - not a literal prediction of heavenly convulsions or an atmospheric meltdown - but are warnings of the just judgment that Jesus will mete out for sinful behavior. We should not drown our concerns about the inevitability of the end and the righteous judgment of Jesus by wild partying, getting drunk, or obsessively working: Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life, and that day catch you by surprise like a trap (21:34-35).
Following these “do not’s,” Jesus provides practical prepping advice. We should pray, be vigilant, stand up straight, and look to Him: Stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand…Be vigilant at all times and pray (21:28, 36). With these habits and attitudes, we can stand before the Son of Man (21:36) when He comes to judge the world.
With the start of Advent, let us take to heart and put into action the “do’s” and “do not’s” of prepping for Jesus’ arrival. Jesus Himself, desirous of our redemption, provides us with a list of what behaviors to avoid and which to embrace. Putting those good habits and attitudes into practice now will ensure that we won’t be surprised when Jesus comes again, for then it will be too late. Be vigilant.
David J. Conrad
In our Gospel this weekend, Jesus tells us not to be dismayed, perplexed, or frightened by what we see occurring around us: There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on earth nations will be in dismay, perplexed by the roaring of the sea and the waves. People will die of fright in anticipation of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken (Luke 21:25-26). These occurrences are merely a precursor to Jesus’ coming - not a literal prediction of heavenly convulsions or an atmospheric meltdown - but are warnings of the just judgment that Jesus will mete out for sinful behavior. We should not drown our concerns about the inevitability of the end and the righteous judgment of Jesus by wild partying, getting drunk, or obsessively working: Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life, and that day catch you by surprise like a trap (21:34-35).
Following these “do not’s,” Jesus provides practical prepping advice. We should pray, be vigilant, stand up straight, and look to Him: Stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand…Be vigilant at all times and pray (21:28, 36). With these habits and attitudes, we can stand before the Son of Man (21:36) when He comes to judge the world.
With the start of Advent, let us take to heart and put into action the “do’s” and “do not’s” of prepping for Jesus’ arrival. Jesus Himself, desirous of our redemption, provides us with a list of what behaviors to avoid and which to embrace. Putting those good habits and attitudes into practice now will ensure that we won’t be surprised when Jesus comes again, for then it will be too late. Be vigilant.
David J. Conrad
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