Is life an imprisonment?

Fr. Milanese is scholarly. In this First Sunday of Advent, he introduced a German Lutheran theologian and martyr, Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906-1945), to us to explain the spirit of Advent --- waiting. Bonhoeffer was arrested by the Nazi in April 1943 and executed two years later at the age of only 39. He was allowed to write letters once every ten days from prison and these were later compiled and translated into "Letters and Papers from Prison". In the tradition of St. Paul, Bonhoeffer, 文天祥 and many others have written letters that move the hearts of generations of readers. The letters and their authors have demonstrated the nobility of human souls.

For these noble souls, prisons are wonderful places to encounter God. Here, prisoners are stripped of their dignity, identity and individuality. They are known only as a number. They put on the uniform provided from the prison. They are emptied. The harshness of prison life forces them to rely more on God and to lead a life of simplicity. Yes, life can be simple and when it is simple, it is easier to find God. Extravagance is not a necessity.

In Advent, we wait patiently for the coming of Christ. In the meantime, we actively prepare for the celebration of Christmas.  In a similar manner, Fr. Milanese helped us meditate that life is also an Advent experience. Life is full of occasions of waiting: a pregnant mother expects the delivery of her baby, an adolescent can't wait to become an adult, a young man works hard and saves money, waiting for the day when he is able to purchase a flat of his own to build up his own family and a fair maiden waits impatiently for the appearance of Mr. Right ... etc. In all these occasions of waiting, the person involved works hard to prepare for the arrival of that day. In drawing our attention to Jesus' advice of alertness and preparedness, Fr. Milanese avoided those thorny issues surrounding the discussion of eschatology. For example, he did not comment a single word on the following 2 verses.
Then two men will be in the field; one is taken and one is left.
Two women will be grinding at the mill; one is taken and one is left (Matthew 24:40-41).
Perhaps these two verses were written to strengthen the faith of Christians who were suffering persecution. Matthew consoled them that they would be the one to be taken up to the heavens while the unbelievers would be left behind. No. Fr. Milanese simply didn't care.

Life is like an imprisonment. Our soul is trapped in the body and she longs for leaving the body behind to return to God. This is a Platonic philosophical outlook. We always hear people say that opportunity appears only to those who are prepared. Truly, when we are physically and psychologically prepared, we will be able to bring one home. Many times, we complain to God for the cards we are dealt, not knowing that God has already opened the prison gate. We are able to walk out freely at any moment. However, are we ready? Are we well-prepared to embrace our end?

Dear Lord, while we are waiting for Your Second Coming, help us lead truly a prepared life so as to bear witness to the great love of Your heavenly Father. Amen.