In the first of our Advent reflections, Benedictine monk Luigi Gioia reminds us of the delicate balance in the spiritual life between being both restful and alert.

We succeed in our studies, in our work and in all our endeavours only by preserving momentum, a sense of purpose and confidence. The same applies to Christian life. The liturgical period of Advent is so refreshing precisely because it rekindles our spiritual momentum by reminding us that we are journeying toward a God who is not just waiting for us, will not just come at a date that no one knows, but keeps arriving in us at every moment.

Jesus’ last words in the New Testament are “Yes, I am coming soon” (Revelation 22:20). They convey not only his intention to come at some point in history, but also and especially the urgency, the eagerness, with which he wants to be part of our existence right now.

The Gospel of Mark warns us against a form of sleep that hampers this momentum, that prevents us from welcoming this “advent”, or “arrival”: “May he not come suddenly and find you sleeping” (Mark 13.36).