In the pages of today's gospel, Jesus takes on the role of a sage advisor, instilling wisdom and motivation in his followers as he contemplates an imminent departure of uncertain duration. His counsel revolves around the imperative of spiritual vigilance—an awakening from the slumber of routine faith. However, the impending period of his absence poses a trial, a litmus test for their faith, tempting them to succumb to the lull of complacency. In response, Jesus implores them not to slumber but to remain alert and watchful, ready to embrace him with unwavering faith upon his return.
As we step into the sacred season of Advent, marked by a deliberate preparation for the Lord's arrival, we find resonance in Mark's portrayal of the doorman. This symbolic gatekeeper, vigilant and watchful, becomes a metaphor for our year-round duty, particularly accentuated during the Advent season. The doorman's ceaseless vigil is an invitation for us to cultivate an unwavering awareness, recognizing and welcoming the Lord into our lives. Faith, the transformative lens, enables us to perceive the divine even in the less obvious facets of life.
Bethlehem becomes a poignant illustration where the Lord, in the form of a newborn child, entered the world with quiet subtlety, often escaping notice. The parable of the Last Judgment underscores the imperative of recognizing Christ in the most marginalized corners of society. Faith, then, transcends a mere set of beliefs; it becomes a way of seeing and, consequently, a way of living.
In the narrative, the condemned in the Last Judgment possibly awaited the Lord's grand finale, only to falter in recognizing him in the mundane aspects of their daily existence. The parable serves as a compelling reminder that Christ weaves into the fabric of our lives through ordinary people and routine events. It beckons us to stay awake in faith, to be attuned to his presence, and to serve him consistently in the seemingly ordinary encounters of our daily grind. Recognition on the Last Day, the parable suggests, is incomplete without the continuous acknowledgment and service rendered in the ordinary tapestry of life.
Jesus' enigmatic statement, "But about that day or hour no one knows," stands as a literary threshold, inviting us to interpret its meaning. It could be a literal declaration, signaling Christ's lack of knowledge regarding the end of the world. Alternatively, it might serve as a strategic deterrent, discouraging futile speculation about eschatological details. Regardless, the underlying implication remains unchanged: cease idle speculations about the Last Day. Instead, pivot towards a deeper, more meaningful endeavor—recognizing God's presence in the ordinary. Open the eyes of faith to perceive the divine intricacies woven into everyday life. This calls for an active opening of hearts and homes to the Lord, who arrives daily, often in the unassuming guise of those in need. This, the gospel emphasizes, is the most profound preparation for the eventual welcome of the Lord on the Last Day.
In the rhythm of these divine words, we find not only counsel but an invitation to a vibrant, transformative spirituality. Let these truths echo within our hearts, fostering a profound awakening that transcends the temporal and ushers in an eternal vigilance. As we tread the sacred path of Advent, may our hearts resonate with the unceasing call to recognize, serve, and welcome the Lord—both in the hallowed Bethlehem of our inner selves and in the ordinary landscapes of our everyday existence. Let the heart of Jesus, the ever-vigilant doorman, reside in the inner sanctum of our hearts. Amen.
