The Advent Challenge: Wake Up and Act

By Nibin K Cyriac csc –

Readings: Jer 23:5-8; Mt 1: 18-24

We are busy in this modern world; sometimes so busy that we have very less time for others and for God. We all love a “nap” during the day. Specially, if the day and work get hectic, a little nap will surely refresh us. That ‘nap’ will allow us to continue the work with more enthusiasm and it might also help us to think more creatively. The gospel is inviting each one of us to take a ‘nap’. We need to keep little time to be with the Lord: a ‘nap’ from the business of this world.

There will be occasions where we are left puzzled, and some other occasions where we have to take serious decisions. These are the times we need to give time for God. We need to give time for God to speak with us.

The first reading speaks of a plan of God. In the Scripture, dream always stood as a symbol of God’s intervention in people’s life. We need to be like Joseph in the gospel. We need to be vigilant, patient, obedient, and listen to him and fulfil the plan. Just listening to him is the minimum, but to wake up and act is the challenge placed by him in front of us during this season of advent.