Coming at an unexpected hour

Good morning all,
This morning's passage feels like it comes out of nowhere. It is actually the Gospel lesson the lectionary assigned for this past Sunday. Since Advent is the beginning of the church year, we begin a new lectionary year and a new Gospel, Matthew. It seems strange that our first reading would be from so late in the book, but Advent is not only about preparing to celebrate the birth of Jesus; it's also about preparing for Christ's return. Jesus teaches his disciples that he will return suddenly, so they should always be ready.

There's a part of me that is ready for Jesus to return, part of me that knows we can't solve all the world's problems, that we need God's righteous kingdom to make everything right. But I the bigger part of me is scared of Christ's return because I am too attached to the injustice of our current system. It's that part of me that most needs to hear Jesus' warning to be ready. I need this Advent season to prepare my heart and to turn my whole being towards God. Into my fear and into my selfishness, come Lord Jesus.

God bless,
Sam

Matthew 24:36-44

36"But about that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 37For as the days of Noah were, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. 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, 39and they knew nothing until the flood came and swept them all away, so too will be the coming of the Son of Man.


40Then two will be in the field; one will be taken and one will be left. 41Two women will be grinding meal together; one will be taken and one will be left. 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 unexpected hour."