Dig Deeper into Sunday’s Gospel: Read Luke 21:25–28,34–36

Thanksgiving, or as I call it, the gateway to Christmas, has passed, and society is diving head-first into Christmas madness. Lights are going up. Black Friday sales are bombarding us. Beloved cultural characters like Santa, Rudolph, and Frosty are coming out in full force. Every message tempts us to believe that, for one month, our lives can become what we've always wanted them to be. 

But while our culture tries to hypnotize us into Christmas cheer, the Church beckons us into something completely different. She calls us not to reject the celebration around us but to put it in perspective. There is something more magnificent to receive than presents. The Church asks us to make space amid the chaos to ponder the unfathomable mysteries of God. And in this week's gospel, Jesus speaks of the mystery of His second coming. 

In Luke 21:25–36, Jesus explains what it will be like when He comes back to judge the living and the dead. He speaks of signs in nature, nations in distress, and events so frightening that men faint in fear. He then promises that in the midst of all that, we will see Him coming on a cloud of glory. 

I'm unsure how you feel when you read Christ's words, but I guess you don't feel merry and bright. Jesus' description of the world before His return is sensational. It often causes fear and misunderstanding that leads to all sorts of speculation. It's terrifying to think of such events coming to pass. It's frightening to realize that, one day, we could look up to see Jesus Christ coming down on a cloud in glory. 

For thousands of years, theologians and scholars have tried and failed to make sense of Jesus' words about His return. These predictions usually lead to little more than preoccupation with a future out of our control. Still, Jesus told us these things for a reason. So then, how do we, as Catholic women, approach them in a way that deepens our faith and prepares our hearts to celebrate Christmas?

Praying through this reading, I noticed He told the apostles about His second coming in two parts. In the first, He told them what to watch out for in world events: signs in the heavens, a world in chaos, people fainting in terror, and Him coming down on a cloud.

In the second, Jesus told us how to respond to these times. In Luke 21:28, Jesus said, "When these signs begin to happen, stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand." In Luke 21:34, He said, "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." 

Part of beholding the mysteries of God is recognizing the difference between God's job and ours. God's job is to know everything there is to know about how, when, and what will happen when He returns. Our job is not to become overly worried or anxious but to hope in our redemption and live awake, ready to meet our maker.  

One day, when you die, or at Christ's second coming, you will face judgment. If you are ready, Jesus will completely redeem you. He will right the wrongs, restore the brokenness, and fully unite you with God. It is safe to hope in your redemption. But also, it would be wise to heed Christ's warning and prepare yourself. He calls you to keep your eyes on Him, to refuse to get swept up by the pleasures and demands of this world. If you are not careful, you will quickly become distracted with the attractions and cares of this world. Then His coming will take you by surprise, and you will not be ready. 

So I ask you, where is your hope? Have you placed your hope in worldly things such as money, status, a job, better circumstances, or a happier family? It's okay to want and work for these things, but our hope should ultimately be placed in the promises of Christ. I invite you to grab hold of a new hope, one in which you take joy in the idea of meeting your Savior because He makes all things new. 

How are you living? What are the things weighing you down? For many women, the demands of life overwhelm us. Schedules, family needs, work demands, and navigating the ups and downs of life leave us too tired to pursue God, so we reach for our phones, credit cards, glasses of wine, and anything else that will make us feel better for a moment. Instead of giving us the freedom we desire, they weigh us down and distract us from what God is doing in the present moment. 

Ladies, let these coming weeks be your reset button. The Lord longs for you to lift your eyes to the heavens with all the confidence that your redemption is at hand. Let that hope change the way you are living today. Take some time; put down your calendar, phone, email, or whatever takes your attention. Our Lord has come, and He will come again. But in the meantime, His work is not done. He will take care of all the details. He invites us to live ready and with watchful hearts. This Advent, I pray that you heed His invitation.

In His Heart,
Mallory Smyth

Food for thought or journaling…

Consider one thing in your heart that is weighing you down and keeping you from being ready to meet your Lord. Maybe it’s resentment, a certain sin, anger at God, comparison to other women, shame, addiction, or anger. Write it down and bring it to the Lord in prayer. Ask Him to take it from you so you can live alert and ready to meet Him. 

Dear Lord, I confess that it is easy for me to become weighed down by the cares of this world. Tired and distracted, I often live as though this world is the only one that matters. Help me to reorient my heart and place my eyes on You. Give me the grace to hope for my redemption and joyfully look forward to the day we finally meet face to face. Over these next few weeks, please help me pay attention to what You are doing in my life so that I can truly live awake and be ready to receive You when You come. Amen.