Stand Erect and Raise Your Heads

12-01-2024Weekly ReflectionFr. Augustine Acheme, VC

In today’s Gospel (Luke 21:25-36), Jesus paints an intense picture of the end times- signs in the sun, moon, and stars, nations in turmoil, and hearts failing from fear. Amidst these alarming signs, Jesus gives us a directive filled with hope: “Stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand.” This line invites us to focus on a life of vigilance and hope.

Jesus warns us to be on guard, lest our hearts become “drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life.” This speaks to anything that dulls our spiritual senses and leads us to forget our true purpose. In the rush of daily routines, we can be overwhelmed by anxieties- work, f i nances, relationships- that distract us from God’s presence.

To stand erect is to reject spiritual slumber. It means remaining alert, aware that there is a divine plan unfolding and that we are part of something greater than our immediate circumstances. In 1 Thessalonians 5:6, St. Paul echoes Jesus’ call: “So then, let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober.” The first step in preparing for Christ’s coming is to cultivate spiritual wakefulness.

Jesus’ instruction to “raise your heads” is a message of profound hope. While the imagery of cosmic upheaval might seem terrifying, Jesus reassures us that these signs indicate that “your redemption is at hand.” Advent is a season of active waiting, marked by hope and preparation. We are called to look beyond the fears of this world to the coming glory of our Savior. In Psalm 27:13, the psalmist writes, “I believe that I shall see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” This hope sustains us during moments of darkness and uncertainty.

As we begin this Advent season, let us take Jesus’ words to heart. Let us not be overwhelmed by life’s anxieties or distracted by fleeting pleasures. Instead, let us keep our eyes fixed on the horizon, standing tall and lifting our heads, confident in the promise of redemption. Vigilance and hope are spiritual disciplines that prepare us to welcome Christ- not only at Christmas but also at His second coming.

May we stand erect and raise our heads, trusting that, through all trials and uncertain es, our redemption is drawing near.

Fr Augustine Acheme, VC