After reading Matthew's Gospel (Matthew 24:37-44) I looked on the internet and found some interesting facts about storms in 2022:
The first storm hit June 5th and the last one was November 4th. Of those storms, 8 became hurricanes and 2 became major hurricanes.
337 people lost their lives to these storms that cost over 54 billion dollars in damages. Many times injuries and death came from being unprepared.
As Advent begins this week, Jesus reminds us that people suffered in Noah's time because they weren't prepared. Remember the story?
It tells us that sin and injustice, ignored by God's people, caused the world's destruction.
Are we ignoring sin and injustice today? This is a good season to think about that. As you do, prepare yourself for Jesus in three ways. First,
take time this Advent to read and learn about the news closely...not what's put out on Twitter! Look for evidence of injustice: war, poverty, prejudice, violence,
etc. Keep your eyes open at school. Notice kids that are ignored by others and notice the bullies who prey on the weak.
Sadly, you'll see that our world is still plagued by sin and injustice.
But remember, Advent is also a season of hope. It comes at the darkest time of the year here in the Northern Hemisphere., so we light candles to
remember that Christ's power seeks to beat back the darkness of injustice every day.
Second, prepare yourself by looking for evidence of grace. To every war, God sends peacemakers. To every kid who feels left out, God sends a friend.
Stay awake, Jesus says, and you'll see reasons for hope all over the world.
Third, prepare yourself to be grace and hope this season, the person who shines light be standing for peace, feeding the hungry, forgiving the enemy, or welcoming
an outcast.
Surely, sin floods our world, but God sends boats to the rescue. Jump on board this Advent. People stranded by pain and injustice are waiting for you.
Happy Advent!
Jim
Readings at USCCB.org Living the Word resource First Reading: Isiah 2:1-5
Psalm: 122: 1-2, 3-4, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9
Second Reading: Romans 13:11-14
Gospel: Matthew 24:37-44
