Here we are, at the beginning of Advent. Christmas is four weeks away, and we know this is a busy time of year. Presents to buy, decorations to be hung, dinners, and parties to plan. Today’s readings tell us we also need to be preparing for Jesus’ second coming, not just celebrate His first coming. Isaiah, who lived about 700 years before Jesus, describes what it will be like for those chosen by God. God will impose his reign, and people will “walk in the light of the Lord.” St. Paul tells the Romans that the time to prepare is now, for salvation is nearer every day; ”throw off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light.” Finally, Jesus tells that not everyone will be ready for His return. Some will be ready, and will enter into the Kingdom, and some…won’t. Advent is our time to do our best to make sure we are ready to meet Jesus, either when He returns or when we meet Him at the time of our death. Since we don’t know when either of these two events will happen, the words that St. Paul spoke to the Romans apply equally to us. What can we do during this season to “put on the armor of light,” so that if we meet Jesus today or tomorrow we’ll be ready? Are we working to foster peace and justice? Are we sharing what we have with those less fortunate? Whatever we need to do, there’s no time like the present to start! Reflection by parishioner, John Ceglarek