Patience is a very hard virtue to cultivate. We live in a culture that is instantaneous and we expect results immediately, which is why we are often so devastated when we lose internet, cable or power. Advent however is a season that invites us to be patient, and to wait for the Lord with joyful and expectant hearts.

In our Gospel today from Matthew, Jesus reminds his followers of the need to be vigilant and to wait for his return in glory. We do not know for certain when it is that the Lord will return for us - either at the end of time or the end of our lives. As a result, we do not know when we will be expected to give an account of our lives and our conduct. This should not frighten us as much as it should encourage us to live every day for Christ, and to give God glory in all things. If we do those things, then we need not be anxious or worried, but instead we should be excited anticipating that we are journeying closer to being with our Lord for eternity.

The season of Advent is not a season meant to be filled with shopping, baking, and rushing about from party to party, although those things are not wrong in and of themselves. Instead, it is a time that is meant for us to prepare our minds and hearts for Christ’s coming both at Christmas and at the end of time as Lord of the universe.

How do we prepare? We ready our souls by going to Confession and receiving forgiveness for our sins. We spend time contemplating the Lord in Eucharistic adoration and in meditating upon His word in the scriptures. We strive to be charitable and enact the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy in our lives. These are things that allow us to prepare the way for Christ, and to wait for the Lord with joyous expectation. May our Advent truly be a time of preparation for the King of Kings to make his home in our hearts.