Today is a day of beginnings: It is the first day of the new liturgical year, and of the three year liturgical cycle. We just finished year C where our focus was the Gospel of Luke. Today we begin year A where we will focus on Matthew.

True to form, today’s gospel reading comes from Matthew. It is Jesus speaking about the end times. It is the first day of Advent and this is where we begin to ask ourselves if we are ready to encounter Jesus at his second coming. It is time to take an inventory to ask ourselves what we need to do in our lives to draw us closer to Jesus Christ.

Jesus talks to us about the days of Noah and compares them to His present day. I will not address the historical reality of Noah or lack thereof. Suffice it to say, that one of the most fascinating facts I have ever investigated is the large body of folklore from cultures completely unrelated to others and believe in the flood. An example of this is that both the Incas and the Babylonians had flood stories in their folkloric history. Yet, these two cultures never encountered each other.

It is believed that a flood happened on this Earth around 8000 years ago. That is significant because farming began about 10,000 years ago. That is the beginning of civilization.

Can I scientifically prove there was a Noah? No. Can I scientifically prove there ever existed at least one man who said that if we do not change our ways we will die in a cataclysmic flood? Yes!

The Noah story also is not a Jewish story. Look at it carefully. It takes place prior to God’s encounter withAbraham and, therefore, predates the Jews. Also notice that the basic story of Noah is that surrounded by those who have their own self interest at heart, Noah alone is one seeking that which is beyond him and above Him.

So what is the difference between Noah and everyone else. The answer is simple, the rest of the world are focused on themselves. They have no orientation in their lives beyond the now. However, notice they still do the basic elements of survival. Farming, pro-creating, eating, working, drinking. But they do this all within the context of the here and now. Noah, alone looks beyond himself and for that which is what we say in Spanish: Mas Allá: beyond us.

Now we compare that reality to Jesus’ time. There are those working again on the basic level, but they are focused on the here and now. Others look beyond themselves.

What is the difference then between those who stay and those who go.

The answer can be seen many times in the Gospel. Those whom Jesus knew.

Remember our faith is not about morality as much as it is about relationship with God in Jesus Christ. It is our relationship that defines our morality.

As Americans our focus this Advent may be how are we going to live this year in light of our relationship with Jesus Christ. The answer to that question will tell us how to prepare for His second coming in our lives which is the focus of Advent.

However, we of the culture of the United States have a great challenge from our culture. The reason is that one of the central elements of our culture is control. Look carefully: If you don’t believe me then take the batteries out of your remote control and never use it again. Yes, from micro to macro, from personal levels to international levels, control is a central feature of US culture. However, if you are in relationship with Jesus, then you have to put Him in control. For us as Americans that is a difficult thing to do. (Please note, I am talking on a personal level. It is neither Catholic teaching for us to have nor am I promoting a Theocracy, that is what Heaven is all about.)

Yet, notice how we live in this culture. Why is abortion legal in this country? Because the culture believes women and men have a right to control their own bodies. Why do we redefine the definition of marriage, for the same reason. Why do we believe we can create designer children? Again it is all about controlling nature. This is what we are about probably more than anyone else: control.

However, on a personal level, if we want a relationship with Christ, we have to have it on His terms not on ours. That for Americans is a real challenge.

Can you do it?

May I encourage you this week, and this year, to offer yourself to God by asking him to take control of your life and to ask Him to teach you how to deepen your relationship with Him on His terms, not yours.

Consider that the next time you think you don’t need to attend mass this week because this is the weekend of the annual Foosball championships in Enfield, Massachusetts. But next week is the annual cardboard boat race in Leominster MA, but God won’t mind. That is important you know.

No! His terms not yours. Can you live that way. Remember one will be taken, one will be left. Which one are you?

Photo Credit: Top Fr. Robert J Carr

Others: Public Domain