³⁶ Be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent and to stand before the Son of Man.” (Luke 21:36 NABRE)

Be watchful and vigilant. It is by design that Jesus concealed the last days from us. He wants us to be on the lookout for him every day of our lives (St. Augustine)

This first day of Advent begins with the need for us to be watchful much like the people of Jesus time before His birth. They were looking for the prophesied messiah, but they were not expecting him to come in the form of a lowly baby in a manger. They were expecting a military leader to deliver them, and Jesus will return with the heavenly host.

I read many different translations and especially prefer this translation of our scripture today. Others say to be alert or to be watchful, but vigilance is the key here. As St. Augustine said, Jesus wants us to be on the lookout for Him every day. This requires more than a momentary alertness or simple watchfulness. This requires us to vigilant, not only watching for the signs of His coming but it also calls for a vigilance in how we are conducting our lives.

This inward vigilance is needed so that we make sure we are doing all that God called us to in this life. In this way we can stand before our the Son of Man when He calls us.