Awake and Attentive

A Reflection on the Second Reading for Sunday, November 19th, 2023:
Thirty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

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1 Thessalonians 
5: 1-6

Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers and sisters, you do not need to have anything written to you. For you yourselves know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. When they say, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them, as labour pains come upon a pregnant woman, and there will be no escape!

But you, beloved, are not in darkness for that day to surprise you like a thief. You are all children of light and children of the day; we are not of the night or of darkness. So then let us not fall asleep as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober.

Pause. Pray. Reflect.

On this last Sunday in Ordinary Time, this passage draws our attention towards the coming of Christ. In the weeks that follow we will celebrate the Feast of Christ the King and then enter Advent, so I see this reading as one that starts a process of orienting us to the Light. God reminds us to be watchful, to stay vigilant, and to seek Him. 

I know myself, and I need these reminders. I have always been a deep sleeper, requiring more than a gentle rousing to help me fully awake. If I’m not careful, my alarms become routine and I can skillfully locate the snooze button and immediately return to slumber. This is true in my spiritual life as well, and without proper support in place I can easily become complacent and slide slowly into poor habits.

Today, I hear the Holy Spirit’s gentle invitation to seek His guidance and to let Him lead me further into His Light. I do not need to live with shame or be embarrassed by the truth of my present situation; He simply wants me to examine my life with honesty and to walk together along a path that leads straight to the Father’s merciful heart. Jesus is all about accompaniment, so I do not need to fear; I can always ask Him for help in the times where I feel tired and catch myself slowly drifting. 


God, we ask You to please help us grow in an awareness of Your presence and love. Help us trust in Your plans and timing, and encourage us along the path of holiness. May we keep our gaze fixed on You, and remain alert as we wait for You. Amen.




Kendra L.

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