STAY AWAKE, HE MUST NOT FIND YOU ASLEEP!
Today is the beginning of the four weeks of the Advent season. It is a time of expectation, longing and hope. Advent means 'coming', and the coming of the Lord is understood in two senses: eschatological coming (end time) and historical coming (Christmas).

Jesus' first coming introduced an unprecedented experience of man's direct physical encounter with God and a whole spiritual renewal. His second coming will introduce a new era, of which the old order will be over. The takeover will be symbolised by the cosmic collapse, and the spiritual regeneration introduced by Jesus' historical coming will come to its perfection.

During the time of Jesus, the new spiritual order was just beginning. It was small, like the mustard seed, or like the yeast that is placed in three measures of flour. In the Gospels, that new order is constantly referred to as the kingdom of God. For it to be fully realised, we need to wait, be awake, and be at work.

We are to stay awake by being attentive to the signs of the time, realising what is happening in the world. We must have self-awareness, being conscious of the inner thoughts and emotions. All these in the context of the recognition of God's presence and revelation. We must be alert to the inner dispositions and attitudes towards God and others. Are they Godly or worldly?

Today, the realisation of the kingdom of God globally is no longer just a mustard seed. It is already a tree. Is this tree healthy? Is it bearing fruits in plenty? Are there more birds resting on its branches? Is it kept strong through us with nourishment from the Lord?

The gospel reminds us that between the first and the second coming, the Lord has entrusted his servants to take charge, each with his own task. In the work of kingdom building, each of us has his own role. We need to take action, collaborate and be co-responsible for the spreading of his kingdom, so that when the Lord comes again, he will not find us asleep.

MASS READINGS
. First Reading: Isaiah 63:16-17, 64:1,3-8
. Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 79
. Second Reading: 1 Cor 1:3-9
. Gospel: Mark 13:33-37

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. Music and hymns used in this Mass webcast were pre-recorded.

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