You're listening to the I Pray with the Gospel Sunday Reflection on the St. Jose Maria Institute podcast.

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

My Lord and my God, I firmly believe that you are here, that you see me, that you hear me.

I adore you with profound reverence.

Ask your pardon for my sins and the grace to make this time of prayer fruitful.

My immaculate mother, St. Joseph, my father, and Lord,

my guardian angel, intercede for me. The first Sunday of Advent, a reading from the Gospel of Matthew

Chapter 24. As were in the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. For as in those days before the flood,

they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage until the day when Noah entered

the ark, and they did not know until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming

of the Son of Man. Watch, therefore, for you do not know on what day the Lord is coming.

Advent starts with an invitation of our Lord to be alert, to watch at all times. We do not know when he

will come. We don't know which day will be our last, but for those who are ready, it doesn't

matter when that day comes. Have you ever been so well prepared for an exam that you

didn't mind when it was going to take place? You knew the subject so well that you had no worries

at all. The same happens with the saints and their encounter with God at the end of their lives.

Saints live their lives in the presence of God.

That means they try to never forget that God was there, present in their lives.

Therefore, they didn't try to be holy only when someone was watching, but all the time.

We should remember this. Saints are

made when no one is watching. Saints try to be holy all the time. Cardinal Mirmelid of Geneva was known

for his love for the Eucharist. Many people converted just by listening to his preaching.

...