2020/B                  1^st Sunday of Advent                                                      Rev. James L. Nadeau

I. ( . . . asleep at the wheel . . .) Being drowsy can be very dangerous. 

• Sleep – yes, but there are times we have to stay awake – even Jesus told us this.  Imagine you are having an operation. I am sure you would not want the surgeon to be drowsy.  When driving or working, for example, our drowsiness may affect others in some profound way!

II. How much more so should we stay awake spiritually?

• Just as being drowsy can affect someone’s job, family and even life – so can being drowsy spiritually!  For then we will not be attuned to God’s commandments – to love God and our neighbor. 
• So, what can we do?  We have to make the effort.
  • Attend Mass – if possible, daily Mass
  • Pray every day
  • Read your Bible
  • Participate in Catechism
  • Do something for someone else

III. All these things will keep us awake (alert to God’s promptings) so that we will be aware of the needs of others and the world. If we are asleep, then God’s work will not be done.

• If not us . . . then who?
• If not now . . . then when?

As we begin another church year, let us ask/pray for the energy we need to stay awake and attuned to God and neighbor.