SATURDAY OF THE WORD OF GOD (SATWOG, DECEMBER 10TH, 2023) INSPIRING REFLECTIONS OF MEMBERS

LAITY REFLECTIONS FOR THE 1ST SUNDAY OF ADVENT, YEAR B

First Reading: Isaiah 64:16d-17;64:1-3b-8
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 80:2ac and 3b;15-16a;18-19 (R. 4)
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:3-9
Gospel Acclamation: Psalm 85:7
Gospel: Mark 13:33-37

Agnes Hanmaikyur

MY REFLECTION

WHAT KIND OF 'WATCHING' IS REQUIRED OF A CHRISTIAN?

In the Gospel Reading of the First Sunday of Advent (Mark 13:33-37), Christ enjoins Christians, over and over again to be watchful, in order not to be taken unawares.

The modern world seems to be extremely engaged with too many concerns, worries, businesses among other attention grabbing situations, so much so that even praying, sometimes, is possible only by making very deliberate efforts – for those who are blessed enough to realize they cannot do without God's grace and help.

Watching, as Christ advises, does not necessarily mean abandoning everything to sit and wait for His return. Rather, it means consciously demonstrating obedience to the commandments of God at all times and in every situation, in our words, thoughts and deeds, even as we go about our busy schedules.

Parents and teachers, who are teaching young people by living good lives for the young to emulate are great watchers.

Traders or businessmen/women who are not shortchanging unsuspecting buyers under the pretext of "my church member" or some other deceptive phrase are good watchers.

Christians who are careful not to constitute downfall to others in the Church or practice of the faith are wonderful watchers.

As long as we situate every thought, word and deed within the confines of Christ's teachings, we are watching perfectly. 

Children or students who are obedient to their parents and constituted authorities as well as diligently paying attention to their studies are also good watchers.

If we prayerfully and consistently watch our words, thoughts and actions in the light of Christ's teaching, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we will begin experience heaven or at least a piece of it while still in this world, even before we are admitted into eternal life in heaven.

May God give us the extraordinary grace, to watch fervently always and everywhere, as Christ commands, so as not to be found wanting when He comes back or calls us back to Himself.

Fidelis Adesola O.

MY REFLECTION

We can start to craft a message of hope and peace for the first Sunday of advent. The Gospel reading from Mark builds on these themes as well. It speaks of the need to "watch" and "be alert," so that we are always ready for God's redemption. It also speaks of the coming of the Son of Man and the importance of being prepared for that event.

I think these themes tie in beautifully with the message of hope and peace from the other readings. Putting all of these readings together, I think the overall message for the first Sunday of advent should be one of faith, hope, and peace. Even in the midst of difficulty and suffering, we can always have faith in God's plan for us. We can always hope for redemption and new life. We can always strive for peace with one another, even when the world around us is full of conflict.

Now that we have the overall message, we can start to think about specific ways to apply it to our lives. One way to apply this message is to focus on the importance of prayer. The readings all speak of the power of prayer and how it can bring us closer to God. We can use this first Sunday of advent to renew our commitment to prayer and to spend more time in communion with God. Here is a summary of the readings for the first Sunday of advent:

- We should have faith and hope, even in the midst of difficulty.

- We should pray and seek God's help in all things.

- We should strive for peace and harmony with others.

- We should be ready for the coming of Christ.

- We should live in gratitude for the grace and peace that God has given us.

May God bless His word in our hearts through Christ our Lord, Amen.

MY REFLECTION

This gospel reading, even though brief, is a comprehensive summary of the gospel readings of the last few weeks. The need for us to be cautious and watchful, since we know not when the end will come for any of us.

Sometimes, doctors, make wild guesses as to when a terminally ill patient will die, but we know how very wrong their predictions often turn out to be. This is only affirming the fact, that such information only belongs to God. This is why scripture continues to admonish us to live each day and indeed each second as if it is our last, because it can indeed turn out to be our last.

Our focus in life should primarily be to do what God demands at all times. There is no need to be worrying about when one is going to die, but rather trying to live a holy life that will assure you a place in heaven with the saints in the end. Whether you die young or old, it does not matter but where you end up after death is what everyone should worry about.

Watching and praying is the mandate for anyone who wants to enjoy eternal life. Never allowing the cares and worries of this life to be a distraction for us that we loose sight of our ultimate goal.

May God grant us the wisdom to understand while here on earth, what is important for time and eternity and to courageously walk the narrow path that leads to eternal life, Amen.

Akiti Jude

MY REFLECTION

THE WATCHMAN

God is our only redeemer, He is faithful and has called us all into fellowship with Himself through His son, our Lord Jesus Christ that we may live our lives in accordance with His will so we can eventually be saved at the end.

From the first reading we were made to understand how dangerous it is for us to live without the fear of God. It is to our own good and benefits that we know God and act in accordance to His will.

Just like Isaiah in the first reading, we should sometimes take a break to reflect on how we are actually living our lives, and also observe the actions of those around us, in order to make amends. This will help us know the possibilities and even the most insignificant of ways we have derailed away from God’s will and how best to retrace our steps and that of others back to God.

This is what the narrative of the Gospel terms “keep watch.” We are employed to become spiritual watchmen, always awake, with sound instincts and reflex to the realistic possibility of an impending danger, an attack against our faith ( *Matthew 13:25* ), to lose sight of the fear of God and the hope of his return. Those who fall victim become easy baits to the enemies of the human soul; namely the flesh, the world and the Devil which leads to eternal death and the destruction of the soul.

We are called to be watchmen against spiritual lukewarmness, to be awakened and alert, to keep the fire of Christ burning in us. This is not just to secure our personal salvation in Christ but also to help us amount multiple graces to maximize our Spiritual Gifts therefore effectively leading others to the redeemer for the salvation of their souls.

It is unwise not to seek and know God, some think God is so distant, to others He doesn’t exit and will never return, but the wise who seek him know better and in their wisdom they can testify of His eminence and activeness in the affairs of men; for this, they seek His face always, this helps deepen their believes and straighten their hopes, each day they are sanctified and renewed and to them are bestowed the privilege to be sustained and found guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. May this be our fate, through Christ our Lord, Amen 🙏

Remain Blessed!!!

Stan-Mario Oregie

MY REFLECTION

In the Christian journey, there is no room for break, recess, holiday or sleep. As the devil is active 24/7, so must a Christian. We must stay vigilant and awake in faith laden with good works. 

The devil cannot be deceived because he sees, not with the physical eyes. God cannot be deceived because He is a Spirit. So, let's keep deceiving ourselves with dramas and acting. Let's keep pretending with "shows" and the putting up of outward appearances. Let's continue the fake Christian lives of hatred and bitterness, selfishness and pride, arrogance and fraud, adultery and fornication, bribery and corruption... You already know your own area of pretence and you are waiting for me to mention it. Mtcheew!!!

When we are through with our evil agenda during the week, let us put on sanctimonious attitudes and go to Mass, Crusades, Adoration Ministries and their likes. Do you think you are deceiving fellow Christians either? Dey play! 

He who tarries will come soon with his recompense, without any prior announcement. What shall our reward be at his revealing?

Maranatha!