1B ADVENT SUNDAY HOMILY, MARK 13:33-37 December 3, 2023
1. STORY
A farmer found it difficult to hire workers for his farm which was near
the ocean and often had terrible storms. The farmer interviewed John, a short thin man,
who said he could sleep when the wind blows. One night, when there was a severe storm
coming, the farmer rushed to John’s sleeping quarters and told him to tie
things down before they blow away. John
said firmly, “No sir, I told you that I could sleep when the wind blows.” The farmer hurried outside to prepare for the
storm. To his amazement, he discovered all haystacks had been covered with
tarpaulins, cows were in the barn, chickens in the coops, doors barred, and
shutters tightly secured. The farmer
went to bed knowing that all had been prepared for the storm because John, the
hired man, had been watchful and had been alert.
2. GOSPEL: MARK 13:33-37
A. THE SERVANTS MUST BE WATCHFUL
The servants are given their own work to do, and they must be faithful in carrying this out during the absence of the master. They must not fall asleep or fall in their duty, as they do not know when the master will return.
B. THE MASTER’S RETURN
Nobody knows when the master will return home from his journey. He has given no forewarning so he could return
at any time. He expects his servants to
be ready for his return.
3. APPLICATION TO LIFE
A. WE ARE GOD’S SERVANTS
Most people are very busy at school, at work, in the home, and in society. Christmas is an even busier time as people send out Christmas cards, buy gifts, decorate their homes, plan parties, or go on vacation. Christ’s words are very important. “Be watchful, be alert!” The master will come at a time that we do not know.
B. THE TRUE MEANING OF CHRISTMAS
Christmas means Christ’s birthday. Here are three suggestions on how to celebrate
his birthday.
i) Place a Christmas crib in your home as a reminder of the true meaning
of this great feast. This is also a way
to evangelize in your home.
ii) Prepare your hearts by going to confession during Advent.
iii) Invite someone to go to church with you at Christmas.
4. CONCLUSION
John was well prepared for the coming of the storm. This brought peace to the farmer. The servants are warned that they must be
alert and watchful for the return of the master at an unknown time. We, the disciples of Jesus, must be alert and
wisely use the season of Advent to prepare our hearts for the celebration of
the birth of Christ. We do this by
having a Christmas crib in our homes, making a good confession, and inviting
someone to go to Christmas Mass with you.
