Being Aware

We all know how inefficient we become when drowsiness comes upon us, whether it be that long period of waking up till the first jolt of caffene jump starts our brain, or when in the late afternoon or early evening, our biological clock winds down and we become useless...the pillow being our only comfort.  Sometimes this drowsiness, due to an overcharge of activity can also make us oblivious not only to the time of day, but what day it actually is. For example, today is December 1st, that we might be aware of, but it is also the last day of the liturgical year as well as the First Saturday of the month.  And the world is commemorating it as World Aids Day, whose purpose is to make the world aware that a concerted effort might bring about a HIV -free generation by 2015.  So much goes on without our being aware of it. Hence Advent, when we set aside time to become aware:  "Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkeness and the anxieties of daily life, and that day catch you by surprise like a trap.  (Lk 21: 34).  "That day" means the day when Jesus returns. but it can also mean with it's our turn to meet Jesus face to face.  More than carousing and drunkeness, for most of us, it's the anxieties of daily life than numb us.  So Advent then becomes a time for us to WAKE UP, pay attention to what is going on within and around us. 
Being the first Saturday, traditionally dedicated to Mary, we might take her as our Advent model:  Her pregnancy caused her to be very AWARE of the life within her as well as the life around her to insure a healthy birth.  As her focus was on the baby within her womb, Jesus, so too, our focus on Jesus within our hearts and in the hearts of others can keep us awake. The extra time we take for the next 3+ weeks can help further quicken our relationship with Jesus that might be suffering from spiritual drowsiness.
May we set some concrete goals for Advent, goals which will help us be vigilant, awake and aware.
Bro. Rene