Greg Friedman, OFM

Today’s Advent readings find us listening to hope-filled messages with an emphasis on the ones who brings the message: Isaiah; Zion; and John the Baptist.

“Watchful waiting” is the command of Jesus in Mark’s Gospel. But isn’t that the way Christians are to be? We’re a people who lives in the world, yet awaits God’s revelation of a new and glorious world to come.

In today’s Gospel, Christ our King has identified completely with those who are hungry, thirsty, homeless, without clothing, in need of healing or imprisoned.

In our faith communities we’re challenged to find ways to discover the gifts each person has and to discover how to put them at the service of the Kingdom.

Being prepared for the Lord is the basic Christian challenge. His final coming–as well as his daily presence in our lives–is something we need to be ready to welcome.

The marvelous thing about the Beatitudes is that they are perhaps the most realistic description of human living that we can find.