Advent Dissipation

​'Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation' (Luke 21.34) is the invitation from the Lord on the First Sunday in Advent 2024.  It is tempting to think of 'dissipation' as a weather forecast as if the day is going to be day of dissipation.  However, the root meaning of this word is 'the squandering of money, energy, or resources'.  How wonderful it to be reminded at the beginning of Advent to be on guard against the squandering of money, energy and resources.  Squandering of money may sound alien to the Church.  Sadly, it was reported earlier this year that the contrary is true.  It was reported this summer that our beloved Scottish Episcopal Church is a victim of 'Dissipation' and there is nothing to show for it at the end.  How do we respond to the invitation by our Lord to be on guard?  Indifference and apathy are not the options.  Advent is a time of contemplation on the FOUR LAST THINGS: DEATH, JUDGEMENT, HELL AND HEAVEN.  It is of utmost importance that we contemplate on the Four Last Things, that would enable us to be on guard.