Is your heart drowsy?  What does that even mean?  In today’s Gospel, Jesus warns us against letting that happen.  He says, “Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy… Be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the strength…”  He is concerned about us.  He wants us to pay attention to the right things in life – the things that last forever, like faith, hope, love, relationships, and His everlasting Kingdom.  

How easy it is to put those things to the side, or let them simmer down to nothing on the back burner while we get caught up in the frenetic hustle and bustle of so many apparently urgent, but secondary, things!  A drowsy heart is a heart that lacks energy, a heart that is being suffocated by worldly and material cares.  When we allow those to take over our lives, we weaken our capacity to love and be loved – life becomes all about things – wealth, popularity, success, power, reputation, achievements… No!  Jesus didn’t come to earth to teach us to seek our happiness in those things.  He wants our hearts strong and vibrant with true love, love like His, love that smiles from the poverty and simplicity of a little manger in Bethlehem, bringing light and warmth to a world that has grown cold in its pursuit of the wrong things.  

As Advent begins, let’s take an advance look at that manger, and the little baby inside.  Let’s quiet our souls for a moment and allow his glance of love to wake up our hearts so that we can live these coming weeks deeply, peacefully, and wonder-fully.  Amen.

Fr. John Bartunek, L.C., offers free video retreats at RCSpirituality.org. If you’re ready to delve deeper into Advent, don’t miss “The Art of Waiting” retreat, accessible here.

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