God' Perfect Timing

Lectio:
ROM 13:11-14

Brothers and sisters:
You know the time;
it is the hour now for you to awake from sleep.
For our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed;
the night is advanced, the day is at hand.
Let us then throw off the works of darkness
and put on the armor of light;
let us conduct ourselves properly as in the day,
not in orgies and drunkenness,
not in promiscuity and lust,
not in rivalry and jealousy.
But put on the Lord Jesus Christ,
and make no provision for the desires of the flesh.

Studium:

Before this section in Romans, Paul was exhorting the Romans to abandon the surrounding culture and live like Christians, verses 11-14 urge the people to expect God's coming.  The day of God's wrath and judgement is coming. Paul refers to this when he says "the day of the Lord."  The people now have reason, immediate reason to act appropriately.
      "...put on the Lord Jesus Christ..." Paul is telling people to get baptized.  Don't follow the desires of the flesh for that is not where your future lies.

Meditatio:

Six years ago, my friend Omega and I pondered these passages. But we weren't looking at the literal meaning, we were wondering at the placement of them in that period of history.  Today we need to heed the same warnings.  Sins of the flesh are still prevalent. 
     Jesus had recently Ascended.  The disciples did expect Him to return soon.  And of course we're talking about God.  His timing would be perfect.  Hmmm. No one or most people couldn't read, so today we would think the coming of the Messiah was fake news.  There's so much of it. 
     I guess I just have to trust, that Jesus coming was perfect and His second coming will be also.

Oratio:

Everytime I dip my finders in holy water to bless myself, I pray, "In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit."  I recall my baptism.

Contemplatio:

Come Lord Jesus!

Resolutio:

During Advent, I will meditate each day on the coming of Jesus.

Get Sex Out of my Face

This is my reading for the.First Sunday in Advent

Lectio

Reading 2ROM 13:11-14

Brothers and sisters:
You know the time;
it is the hour now for you to awake from sleep.
For our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed;
the night is advanced, the day is at hand.
Let us then throw off the works of darkness
and put on the armor of light;
let us conduct ourselves properly as in the day,
not in orgies and drunkenness,
not in promiscuity and lust,
not in rivalry and jealousy.
But put on the Lord Jesus Christ,
and make no provision for the desires of the flesh.


Studium

Paul is giving instructions.  Since the early Christians expected the Second Coming to come very soon, Paul admonishes them to be vigilant.  Note these particular admonitions; they have to do with sexual immorality.  Christians view love as thinking of the beloved first and not self-gratifying.  That is not Christian love.  

Meditatio

Paul's admonitions are needed today.  I think sexual gratification is glorified too much nowadays.  Due to visual aids: pictures, videos, movies, magazines, the internet, etc. sex is considered the goal  most desired.  It has given rise to pornography, which is too easily available.  We put need to Our Lord first.

Oratio

Lord, encircle your people with a cincture of chastity.  Put blinders on our eyes to see only You.  Direct our minds to reflect on You.  May you  be our  all and end all.

Contemplatio

Lord, I want to only think of You, speak of You, and act for You.  So help me God.