REFLECTION BY FR. COLLINS AKHIGBE, OP
SCRIPTURAL PASSAGES: 1ST READING. ISAIAH 2:1-5. PSALM 122. 2ND READING. ROM 13:11-14. GOSPEL. MT 24:37-44
THEME: BE VIGILANT!
Today, first Sunday of Advent, the Church celebrates her new liturgical year. This season has two-fold dimensions. It is a time set aside by the Church for her children to prepare for the commemoration of the first coming of Jesus Christ and preparation for the second coming of Jesus Christ.
All the readings today point to the need for Vigilance. In the first reading, the prophet Isaiah speaks about the latter days when the mountain of the house of the Lord shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and shall be raised above the hills; and all the nations shall flow to it (Isaiah 2:1-2). In the second reading, St. Paul has this to say: “Brethren, you know what hour it is, how it is full time now for you to wake from sleep”. For Salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed; the night is far gone, the day is at hand. Let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armour of light (Rom 13:11-14). The Master tells us in the Gospel to watch for you do not know in what part of the night the thief is coming (Mt 24:42). In this season of Advent, the Church calls her children to watch and prepare for the coming of the Lord. The Church expects us to reconcile with God and with one another. In this reflection, we shall examine the role of Vigilance and why we should be watchful.
WHY VIGILANCE?
First, we should constantly be vigilant because we are a Pilgrim people. The scripture has this to say: “Beloved, I urge you as aliens and pilgrims to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against the soul” (1 Peter 2:11).
Second, we should be vigilant because of who we are. The scripture tells us that we are God’s children (1 Jn 3:2). As God’s children we ought to watch over ourselves because of our dignity and nobility.
Third, we should be men and women of Vigilance because of our mission. We have a mandate to evangelize the world (Mk 16:15-16). We cannot fulfill this mission without vigilance.
Fourth, we should be vigilant because of the weakness of the flesh. The Master told us to watch and pray because the Spirit is willing but the flesh is weak (Mt 26:41).
Fifth, Vigilance should be our watchword because of the battles of life. Life is a warfare. We fight against the world, against the flesh and against the evil ones (Eph 6:11-13).
Sixth, we ought to be vigilant because of the four last things, namely, death, judgment, heaven and hell (Heb 9:27).
Seventh, we should be men and women of Vigilance because the Master can come anytime (1 Thes 5:1-3). Since we do not know the hour or day, we should be vigilant.
HOW TO REMAIN VIGILANT
First, we should watch over our thoughts and imaginations. Our thoughts determine our actions. Good thoughts produce good results but bad thoughts produce evil actions (Mt 15:19-20).
Second, we ought to watch over our senses. We should monitor closely the movement and the longing of our senses in order to put them to check.
Third, we should also watch over our words. The Master told us that everyone will give account of every careless word we utter. By your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned (Mt 12:36-37).
Fourth, we should be vigilant over our actions. The Master told us that by their fruits we shall know them. Everyone of us will give account of his or her actions. The scripture tells us: “A good tree does not bear rotten fruits, nor does a rotten tree bear good fruits”. “For every tree is known by its own fruits” (Lk 6: 43-44).
Fifth, we ought to always watch over our habits and dispositions. The habit of a soul can save or destroy the soul. We should be vigilant over ourselves and our habits.
Sixth, we should also watch over our Companions. The scripture tells us that bad company corrupts good morals (1 Cor 15:33). We should have good friends that will encourage us on the path of virtue and holiness.
Seventh, we should exercise vigilance over time. How do we spend our time? Where do we spend our time? What do we do with our time? This is very critical if we must live well.
Eighth, we should also exercise vigilance over the flesh. I call the flesh spoilt child. If we don’t put our eyes on this spoilt child we are carrying, he will lead us astray.
Ninth, we should always exercise vigilance over our relationships. What kind of relationship do we keep? There are healthy and unhealthy relationships. We should cut off any relationship that is not leading us to God.
Tenth, we should also watch over our relationship with God. Do we have personal encounter with Christ? Do we find time to listen to Jesus? Are we too busy for the Master. We ought to cultivate a beautiful relationship with Jesus Christ. It is from this relationship we gain energy to live a life of holiness and virtue.
ENEMIES OF VIGILANCE
First, procrastination is a major obstacle against Vigilance.
Second, lack of discipline and training.
Third, lack of understanding and wisdom.
Fourth, the Spirit of laziness.
Fifth, lack of focus and determination.
Sixth, inordinate desires of the flesh.
Seventh, attachment to the world.
These are some of the factors that militate against Vigilance. We can overcome them if we are truly determined to break away from the world.
PRAYERS
Lord, Please, help us to be watchful over ourselves. Lord, deliver us from distraction. Lord, help us to remain focused and faithful. Lord, Please, sustain us till the very end. Amen. Wishing you a beautiful day.
With lots of prayers and love.
