In his Screwtape Letters, C.S. Lewis has a line of reflection for people slow to turn from evil and reform their lives: Student-devils were getting prepared to be dispatched to the earth to complete their coursework in causing mayhem. Satan held a one-on-one interview with each of them. To the first student, he asked: “What’s your strategy?” to which he responded, “I’ll instruct them that God doesn’t exist.” Satan shook his head and responded, “Not so smart; most of them know our enemy exists. Next...” The next student entered: “I’ll persuasively argue that there’s nothing like hell,” to which the devil responded: “No way, after millions of abortions and murderous wars, they do know that hell exists. Next...” Then came the last student, a she-devil intern. She revealed that her strategy would be to tell humanity that they have plenty of time, to which the devil responded with a shrill smile: “Smart woman. Do that and you’ll bring them down here in droves.”
Advent comes, Advent goes! Year after year we arrive at this beginning of the liturgical year. We bring the same message that the coming of the Lord is near, as we have done for 2000 years. Someone may wink and role her eyes, saying: “Here we go again; the priests are going to once again scare us with end of the world messages; an end that doesn’t really come.” If that’s your default position, you must have been listening to Screwtape’s she-devil and believing that there’s plenty of time. Jesus reminds us today about a similar attitude that was prevalent during the time of Noah. People thought Noah was insane to be building a humongous ark in preparation for a flood that they considered a figment of his imagination. Given the number of improbable things that are happenings these days, we should better be on the watch. On the positive side, there’s considerable number of converts to the Catholic faith. Yet, quite a good number, especially younger women, are abandoning the faith. Many are yet to wake up to the reality that God has been giving us signs pointing to the eventual end. Screwtape’s she-devil might not really any longer be that smart; her code has been cracked. Reading the signs of the time, it’ll be smarter to admit that the end is nearer than many would want to believe.
As you get busy putting out the lights, preparing the Christmas Tree, setting the manger scene, and buying Christmas gifts, I’ve this simple advice: This is a year of improbabilities. Spend some time to reflect on your life and on your eternal destiny. Consider the possibility that you’re using up your last chance and could be lost forever. Jesus cautions that we beware of letting our hearts become coarsened with debauchery, drunkenness, and the cares of this life, and that day springs on us like a trap or a thief at night. What’s the trap for which we should be watching out? Who is the thief? Anything or anyone who would steal our eternal salvation from us must be put in check. The thieves we should be vigilant to stop this Advent are forces, influences, temptations that would steal the beautiful life that God has in store for us. If we succeed in warding off the night-thief, then would the Lord break into our heart and soul with His peace and serenity. That is the beauty of the incarnation. God Himself comes in the form of a babe to destroy all that could keep us from Him.
You might still say: “Not yet. I have some fun to catch up with; I have a business deal to complete that would rake in millions; maybe after the holiday.” The story is told about two Catholics who talked about salvation over drinks. One said: “I’m making my confession on my death-bed like the good thief.” His buddy replied: “There were two thieves on the cross; one of them didn’t make it to confession even though he had the eternal high priest with them. What makes you think you won’t be the other thief?” Evidently, as you live your life, so shall you die. Last minute repentance is a grace given only to a few. The time to repent is NOW!
Fr. Chukwudi Jo Okonkwo