Are we awake? Matthew 24:36-44

Today is the first Sunday of Advent and this marks the beginning of another Church year. Josh and I believe that this is a good time to begin a weekly post relating to the Gospel lectionary reading. For more information and the reading schedule check out Revised Common Lectionary.

We hope these posts will do a number of things: first, it would be nice if people read them. Second, it creates a space where people can interact with a Biblical text. Third, it helps Josh and I keep focused on preparing for church planting next summer in Florida. And finally, the lectionary keeps us on our toes because it forces us to engage parts of the Gospel story that we might ignore. An example of this is today's passage from Matthew 24:36-44.

I'm not going lie this text is confusing. Some believe that this passage refers to the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple by the Romans in A.D. 70; and others believe that is refers to the second coming of Jesus. And for the record I'm thankful I was never forced to read or watch any of the "Left Behind" books. If you have no idea what I'm talking about consider yourself blessed. We also have a reference to the story of Noah (if you haven't read that story in a while read it Genesis 6 and 7), the reason for the flood was the corruption of the earth and violence. Interesting, we need to be reminded that God is not pleased when we hurt each other. The passage also refers to Jesus as the "Son of Man" which adds to the confusing. One thing is clear this passage calls Christians to be awake, ready and to keep watch.

So what does it mean for Christians to be awake and ready? This passage and the stories that follow show that to be awake means to do things that you are supposed to do. Part of being a Christian means to share life together. We shouldn't take for granted the gift of life that we have been given. Another way we know if we are awake is if our lives are marked by love and forgiveness.  This time of year there are so many distractions and things on the calendar that it seems our lives are more marked by shopping and the holiday drinks at Starbucks. As chaotic as the holiday season is, it is important to reflect on what Jesus has done, is doing and will do in our lives.

We need to realize that being ready doesn't mean that we try and figure out a date for the second coming of Jesus, or when the world is going to end by the Mayan calendar (2012, for the record). These dates and times are not important and unknowable— this week's passage mentions that Jesus doesn't even know them! We are to live each day as if it were our last. It is not my intention to use fear to motivate people because I believe that is more harmful then helpful. We just need to see the importance of giving thanks for life, and all that God has done and is going to do.

Thanks for taking the time to read this,
Ryan

May we be people who are awake, Lord forgive us when we fall asleep. Help us to keep watch, help us to be ready, help us to know and share your love and forgiveness. Amen.