REFLECTION
Please find below the link for the October 2022 edition of “Our Diocesan Community” to be included in your next school newsletter, facebook page and/or website https://www.ballarat.catholic.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/ODC-October-2022-web.pdf.
GOSPEL
Stay Awake!
Jesus said to his disciples: "As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. In those days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day that Noah entered the ark. They did not know until the flood came and carried them all away. So will it be also at the coming of the Son of Man. Two men will be out in the field; one will be taken, and one will be left. Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken, and one will be left.
Therefore, stay awake! For you do not know on which day your Lord will come. Be sure of this: if the master of the house had known the hour of night when the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and not let his house be broken into. So too, you also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come. Matthew 24: 37-44
REFLECTION
When I went for a long walk over the dunes and along the sandy beach a few weeks ago, I was halfway through my journey before I even noticed how spectacular the water and landscape was. So many shades of blue, gold and earthy colours at my feet and the gentle breeze awakening my sensors. It was breath-taking, and I had not noticed. I had not paid attention – I had been busy planning my day.
Sunday’s Gospel is full of good news and it reminds us to pay attention. It’s the perfect note as we start the season of Advent. Matthew’s Gospel encourages us to look for God’s presence each moment in our lives. “Stay awake! You do not know on which day your Lord will come.” We need to put our heads up and be alert for the loving presence of God with us each moment of the day.
As we begin our Advent, we may feel unready and have the urge to recreate ourselves into someone perfect. Deep down, we know our own flaws: we might drink too much; take our spouse for granted, or ignore those around us who are suffering. We pray for help – but at a distance.
We may believe that if we aren’t perfect, we probably aren’t worthy of God’s love and affection. But that is not what God wants. We can’t save ourselves, but it is God’s delight to come to save us. Jesus is not waiting for our perfection, but for our attention.
Paying attention five minutes a day could change us and our Advent. We could read the daily scriptures and the message of the season. Perhaps we could set out a nativity image or a favourite creche scene. We can start our day by imagining the smelly, cold stable and harsh and undignified place that was Jesus’ first home. This child, this saviour, born into the stink of a shed full of animals, can certainly love us with all of our own embarrassing stench.
We can sit in silence and speak to Jesus about our upcoming busy, chaotic and confusing day. We bring our worries and joys to Jesus and ask that our hearts be opened in new ways. We can close by asking for the grace to carry that peace with us to all those we encounter that day. We can end our simple meditation by saying, “Come, Lord Jesus.”
Loving God, I am so aware of my imperfections and flaws, and my instinct is to come to you later – when I have cleaned up my act. But when I quiet myself and sense your presence, I can feel that you come to meet me exactly as I am right now. I recognize your love in my heart - beyond anything I can understand with my head. Thank you for loving me exactly as I am. Help me to pay attention in these weeks of Advent. Come, Lord Jesus.
Julie Leonard
Religious Education Leader/Wellbeing Leader