Word of the Week

First Week of Advent: Vigilance

Vigilance: Vigilantia (L.) meaning "wakefulness; watchfulness”

Vigilance is "custody of the heart” (CCC 2849). Jesus urges his followers to pray with a pure and persevering faith, with fortitude and above all else a “filial boldness” (CCC 2621). He calls us to nourish our faith in both vocal and contemplative prayer, exercising vigilance and prudence with “ composure of heart” (CCC 2699). In this manner, we will overcome the snares of the devil with a “sobriety of heart” (CCC 2730). Lastly, the grace of vigilance leads us to a clear discernment of practical matters and into the interior life of the Trinity (CCC 2063, 2088).

Vigilance is found only 2 times in Sacred Scriptures, both in the Old Testament: Prov.4:23 and Wis.6:15. In each case, vigilance is rooted in Wisdom from on high. The OT author reminds the reader that wisdom is vigilant by proclivity. The New Testament carries out the essence of vigilance in 10 separate Scripture passages where we read of the call to be ‘watchful' or ‘ awake' (Lk.12:37). This proposal is twofold: to be on watch for our hour of judgment and for our awareness of Satan who is “prowling like a roaring lion” (1 Thes.5:6; 1 Pet.5:8). Paul also notes that genuine watchfulness is rooted in prayer that brings about a peace and thanksgiving (Col.4:2). In this vein, vigilance is sustained in the Eucharist where we abide in the Eternal Thanksgiving.

Vigilance is the fruitfulness of faith. Faith is more than just belief in the unseen, it is a participation in the saving works of Christ (Col.1:24), obedience to our personal ascent upon Mt. Calvary where we meet the Lord crucified. Golgotha is where faith and vigilance unite--perpetuating conversion and holiness.

“…May your conduct prove to all that chastity is not only a possible virtue but a social virtue, which must be strongly defended through prayer, vigilance and the mortification of the senses.”

--Pope John XXIII ( Letter to Women Religious)

Primary Texts Consulted

• Catholic Bible. Suggested trans. Revised Standard Version, Catholic Edition.
• Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2 nd Edition, 1997.

 

 

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