Matthew 24:42-44 NRSVue

42Keep awake, therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. 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. 44Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.

Some thoughts on this scripture

Reflection
Staying awake means noticing and being alert. As I take time to pray, I allow the things I have been too busy to see come to my notice.

Reflection
I think of how Advent has been in the past. As I look ahead, I consider what might help me to remain alert.

Reflection
Of all temptations, the most subtle is: /There is no hurry. Leave it till tomorrow./ Saint August 2006ine phrased it in a famous prayer: /Lord give me chastity, but not yet. /

Reflection
Tell me, Lord, what I must wake up to and act on, today.