Isaiah 2:1-5, Matthew 24:36-44

Socrates, an ancient Greek thinker, once said that "the unreflected life is not worth living." He said this in the context of human life which should be directed towards virtue for the preservation of the soul. But in his observation, humans often forget their obligations. They choose to get lost in the banality of life. Just going through the motions and often moving in the direction of the moving masses, without thinking what it means for us. Despite being thousands of years removed from ancient Greek society, isn't that what life is like in modern times? We are busy with things that actually keep us away from authenticity, the journey of being ourselves. Struggling with the demands of daily work, dreams buried by the bitterness of reality, crisis-ridden world situations, and wrong choices that lead us to the fulfillment of endless desires and lusts.

 

At this time we want to begin the Advent-Christmas season with an awareness of the meaning of life that we should live as Christians. It is found in our relationship with God in Christ the Redeemer. In particular, through the study of the two readings this time, we are invited to reflect on each other's lives and the duties and responsibilities of a Christian when remembering the coming of the last day. Jesus emphasized in the Gospel of Matthew 24 the coming of the day of the Lord. The time when everything ends and God comes back to judge His people. He tells us this not so that God's people will speculate about when that day will come, for when it will come, no one knows (v. 36). What the Lord wants is for people to remember their duties in anticipation of that day.

What are they?

 

First, God wants His people to always be prepared for the coming of the day of the Lord and not be careless. He reminded His disciples of the events of Noah (vv. 37-39). People at that time went about their activities as they were. They chose to have fun and satisfy their lusts. They were trapped and only realized when a critical moment had befallen them. Aren't the actions of the people in Noah's time also pervasive in our society today? Living as if there is no other day and directing everything to fulfill lust. Without realizing it, humans are enslaved by their own desires. An irony that stomps and slaps all our feelings of independence and freedom. Modern man seems to be free to stand on his own feet, even though he is locked up by the endless desire for material things. When God comes and holds us accountable for the life and grace we have been given, we can only be silent and transfixed. Forgetting our duties.

 

Secondly, a person's readiness cannot be measured by their outward appearance, only God knows the heart and deepest desires of man. That is what Jesus meant when He told the parable of the two men in the field, where one was taken and the other left behind (v. 40). They were doing the same activities, but one seemed to be ready for the coming of the Son of Man who would bring him into the glory of the Kingdom of God, while the other was not and was left outside. Thus, the matter of piety and obedience to His commandments cannot be judged unilaterally through one's outward appearance. Only God knows the innermost heart. Meanwhile, we are often trapped in judging others and feeling the most righteous.

 

Third, be watchful because the day of the Lord will come unexpectedly. Jesus made this point by describing the coming of the day of the Lord as a house broken into by a thief. An owner who knows when the thief will come will certainly be prepared and increase his vigilance. It is impossible to know the hour and time of the Lord's coming. He will come suddenly. So keep watch and prepare for the coming of the Lord.

 

Waiting for the coming Lord means a willingness to live in the light of His word. As it says in Isaiah 2:5, "O house of Jacob, let us walk in the light of the Lord!" If God is light, then God's children cannot dwell and walk in darkness. People who dwell in their sinfulness and refuse to ask God for forgiveness and those who do things on their own without thinking of their neighbors and the rest of God's creation are walking in the dark. Advent means a time of waiting, therefore in this time of waiting let us examine our hearts and minds. Have we lived our lives in His light? Perhaps we are living like people who do not fear God. We only care about ourselves and nothing else. Take heed and repent.

 

Reflective questions: 

Have we lived a life according to His word as part of our readiness to welcome the coming of the Lord?