Preparing for Advent
Today’s Gospel reading was Luke 21:5-19, where Jesus foretold the destruction of the Temple. I attended Mass at the Cathedral, and Fr Adrian Anthony explained how the readings following up to the feast of Corpus Christi (the end of the Church Calendar) focus on the passing of this world. This Sunday’s reading was especially relevant because it is a stark reminder that our works are temporal in nature and will pass away no matter how grand or beautiful.
The priest shared about receiving donations made from the belongings of those who have passed away - some of these belongings include gifts that have not yet been opened! Is there anything in my own life that I’m clinging on to? I certainly don’t want to be holding on to things I don’t need.
My material possessions are accumulating, especially since I moved into Aquarius. Its been a while since I cleared out my belongings - the last time was last year when I cleared out my room before my parents moved from Yishun. I’m certain that another sweep is due and Advent is a good time to embark on this exercise. Perhaps its also a good precursor to the Wedding too.
My digital collection has been growing too - photos, music, videos. If anything, I’m guilty of archiving almost everything. Emails from my first job at MG, softcopy of my undergraduate thesis, Emacs scripts dating to 1995 - they are all preserved in magnetic media. I haven’t rationalized any need to clear them yet, but I feel that I’m starting to define myself more and more in terms of the work that I’ve done. Yes, that includes this journal.
Its been a while since I’ve attended a memorable Mass - its good that this Sunday’s sermon has pricked my conscience.