Matthew 24:36-44 (NRSV)
Read Matthew 24:36-44 on biblegateway.com
Verse 36"But about that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Verse 37For as the days of Noah were, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. Verse 38For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day Noah entered the ark, Verse 39and they knew nothing until the flood came and swept them all away, so too will be the coming of the Son of Man. Verse 40Then two will be in the field; one will be taken and one will be left. Verse 41Two women will be grinding meal together; one will be taken and one will be left. Verse 42Keep awake therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. Verse 43But understand this: if the owner of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. Verse 44Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour.
Devotion
Apocalyptic texts for Advent certainly have their place in the cycle of our readings and in the formation of our spiritual life. They remind us that Christ has already come and that our waiting is for that unexpected advent of God in any moment—which really means in every moment. In every moment of our lives, God is. God appears, God can surprise us, whether we see God or not. Our faith is characterized by this vigilant waiting—not for some far off event, not for some horrific or catastrophic or dramatic second coming in the future but for a continual "second coming" in every moment of life, now. Every encounter, every event, every moment is full with God's presence. We need not fear because God's presence, which is described in our texts this week as God's judgment, is always one of compassion, of peace, leading us to leave behind works of darkness and be clothed in light.
Prayer
God, make our hearts vigilant that we may discern your merciful presence in every moment of our life. Amen.