The Nazareth Page -A gospel meditation for your home

November 30, 2025 – First Sunday of Advent -Matthew 24:37-44

REFLECTION QUESTIONS:
Download this simple process to Prepare for Sunday using the Observe, Judge, Act Method

Happy New Year!  Today marks the first day of the liturgical year in the Catholic Church. And in typical fashion, we are not only to think of beginnings, but also finality. Thus, we are reminded of what attitude would be best for us as we prepare for the end of our final moments of earthly life. Note that we are not given a date for this to happen, but only that it will end.  

Even in today’s scientific times, many seem to believe that the end of the world is coming soon. I’m not sure what this means for such believers in the practical order. They are not “survivalists” in the sense that they believe in some major disaster ending life on earth as we know it, but they are ready. They have food and other essentials stored underground somewhere. Perhaps in their backyard or as it’s sometimes said, “in an undisclosed location.”

In the time of Jesus, many Jews were hoping for the immanent coming of a messiah, sent by God to restore prosperity and better times for God’s chosen ones. There were many theories about how and when this might happen. Omens of the impending event were popular.

With this mindset and concern in the air, the people asked Jesus what he thought they should do under such circumstances. Today’s gospel provides his advice. In a sense, this advice was good for them, and even for us.  Briefly, Jesus said they should “stay awake” and “be prepared.” He did not offer them a date for this intervention on God’s part. Just advice on how to live given this uncertain schedule of an end.

Today, most of us are more focused on our own personal end of life on Earth than on some cosmic event that will end all life here as we know it. Even though some surveys of current religious belief in our country conclude that many actually believe this God-created end will come during their own lifetime.

Let’s again recall what Jesus advised his contemporaries and us about this matter. The end certainly includes our own death, which we know from experience, can happen at any time for any of us. We are told to be awake and aware. And most of all, this refers to our relationship to God. That is what is most important. So, are you ready to meet your Maker?

David M. Thomas, PhD