Liturgical Year Starts with a Wonderful Note : Be watchful! Be alert

Gospel Thoughts

Advent Season : 1st Sunday

GOSPEL Mk 13:33-37

First Reading - Is 63:16b-17, 19b; 64:2-7

Second Reading - 1 Cor 1:3-9,

*Liturgical Year Starts with a Wonderful Note : Be watchful! Be alert*

*1) Be Watchful and Be alert - These phrases are Important for Life*

In a way life revolves around these phrases 

Many times in our day today life we use these phrases and those who pay attention to these phrases will see a great change in their lives 

One who ignores these phrases will have to pay the consequences which at times too costly.  

*2) These phrases have special significance, when we begin something new* 

We have lots of new things to begin in our lives. For example, academics, taking risks for greater service and development, family life, religious life and so on 

When we begin, something new, as mentioned above, many people give us advice with these above phrases. Be careful, be alert in what you do and what u begin 

*3) New year is a New Beginning* 

Today we begin new liturgical year. So something new we begin today. 

When we begin this new liturgical year, these phrases have deep significance in our life 

We are asked to become watchful and alert. 

*4) About what we need to be watchful and Alert?* 

*A) Be alert about your new decisions*

Usually when we begin new year we take some decision with the intension of becoming good. So be careful about your decisions. Unless we are watchful and alert about our decisions, we will not be able to keep them up and make any progress in our lives 

*B) Be watchful and alert about Worldly attractions* 

Unless one is watchful about this one will be slave of worldly attractions and pleasures 

*C) Be watchful and alert about the Devil and its snares* 

Devil is active, watchful and alert all the times. If we are not alert then devil will take the control of our life. 

*Be watchful and Alert about your spiritual life* 

There are 101 forces which always work together to destroy your spiritual life

*E) Be watchful and alert about the 7 deadly devils* 

Seven deadly devils/sins are pride, envy, gluttony, greed, lust, sloth, and wrath. 

*F) Be watchful alert about your family/Religious life*

So that the family life may not destroyed or one may be able to remain faithful to  religious life in order to serve Christ

*F) Be watchful and alert about Your 5 Senses*

They are most dangerous if they are not kept in control

*G) Be watchful and alert about ones bad habits*

If one is careless about these things one will destroy ones life

*H) Be watchful and alert about your mobile and other social media*

Be aware of the dangers of the social media and mobile

*I) Be watchful and Alert about your Thoughts, Words and deeds* 

*J) Be watchful and alert about the Gossip*

One who gossips is a terrorist. Terrorist destroy everything. One who gossips also destroys everything

*5) Need to start from the beginning of the Year and not towards the end of the year*

These words *Be watchful and Alert* which appear in the beginning of the year, with a great measure. 

If we begin now, we will make some growth. If nothing will take place. 

Since change comes slowly, we need to begin in the beginning itself 

*6) Be watchful and be Alert to receive Jesus or Master* 

No one knows when the master comes. Anytime he can come. 

The watchman's work is to remain alert and to open the door at the masters return 

*7) Be watchful and be alert to observe what happens to your life?*

Unless one is watchful and alert, things will take place without our knowledge and life will be in danger

*Will you remain watchful and  alert?*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*