In today’s short gospel, the injunction to “stay awake” is repeated four times, in addition to “be on your guard” and “he must not find you asleep”. Some versions use be watchful, stay alert, and be vigilant. These are necessary only if there is something to protect. The doorkeeper in the gospel protects some valuables inside. Think of the guards who protect banks, and how alert, and watchful they must be, especially when there are robbers around. Imagine a guard in this situation dozing off or falling asleep. The guard would be fired. In the second reading, St. Paul talks about the graces we have received through Christ, and how we have been enriched in so many ways through the gifts of the Spirit. The crown jewel is the gift of salvation. This we must guard with our very lives. Jesus, fully aware of the powers of the thief (Satan), warns and reminds us to stay awake, be watchful, be vigilant. In protecting our gifts, we should be more motivated and dutiful than bank guards. Isaiah reassures us that our God tears the heavens open and comes down to guard and guide those who keep his ways in mind. How watchful or sleepy are we? Advent is a time to work on this.

Prayer: God Almighty, unless you watch over us, in vain do we stand guard. Protect the work of your hands, and the gifts you gave us. Amen