Daily Devotional for December 19

 

December 19                                           Matthew 24:32-44

For all our pride in our civilization's progress, human society
really hasn't changed all that much from the times of Jesus
or of Noah until now. Jesus prophesies that at the time of his
second coming people will be behaving pretty much as they
were at the time of the great flood, "eating and drinking,
marrying and giving in marriage."

Jesus is not condemning people for their eating, drinking,
marrying, and other ordinary pursuits. His point is that people
are entirely preoccupied with their everyday activities,
heedless of God in the routine of life.

Sometimes we get so caught up in everyday life that we don't
stop to consider the reality of God's transcendent, shining
presence all around us. Our thoughts focus on what to prepare
for dinner, where to go for the weekend, whom to ask to the
dance, how to impress the boss, or when to buy that new car,
rather than on the presence of God permeating our lives.

In today's passage, we are told to watch and be ready for
Christ's coming into our lives. What would my life be like if
I were to take that command seriously? Would I ever cheat
my customers or employer? Would I remain indifferent to the
poverty, homelessness and hunger around me? Would my
attitude toward war and conflict change? Would I treat my
loved ones and friends differently? Would my relationships
with my opponents and competitors be more open? Would
I take more time to see God in all the circumstances of my life?

          Jesus, help me to watch and be ready for your
    coming into my life. Help me to see what it is that you
       would have me do to ready myself for your advent
                               on earth. Amen.

​

From The Road to Emmaus - An inclusive devotional Edited by Joseph W. Houle

Emmaus House of Prayer - Washington D.C