First sunday of advent, romans 13:11-14a

People act differently in the night than they do during the day.   During the day there is the business of personal responsibilities, but nights invite relaxation.  Some people let their guard down at night and “the powers” (politics, economics, hormones) that Paul refers to in his Letter to the Colossians become alert and active and toy with our relaxed mental state. 
 
When the hour comes to wake from spiritual and moral sleep, we are filled with expectation and at times remorse.  We look forward to the promise of the coming day, aware of the sins of the past that brought on spiritual and moral sleep and darkness.
 
Advent, the annual alarm has gone off.  Saint Paul says, "It is the hour now for you to awake from sleep."  Paul is not talking about the dawn of another weekday.  He speaks of the dawn of an eternal day.  Our salvation or spiritual   and moral healing is near if we choose to open the gift of salvation through with and in Christ Jesus.
 
Adapted from a bulletin series of Paul Turner. Copyright © 2004, Archdiocese of Chicago, Liturgy Training Publications; 1-800-933-1800; www.1tp.org.