The Matthew passage invites us to a wakeful waiting this Advent, not being passively oblivious to the signs of the times. A waiting that makes us realise business as usual, as in the time of Noah, is not an option.

Never has there been a greater need to be awake and alert to what is happening in the world; the droughts, storms and floods that are being experienced by many communities along with the mass extinction of species are confirmation and warning that urgent action needs to be taken.

The reference to the floods during the time of Noah in this passage offer both warning and hope. The warning to wake up from our wayward practices of overconsumption and greed that have caused and accelerated climate change such that life on earth is under threat. This warning is also shot through with the promise of God’s covenant with all of creation, a hope that we might draw on to avoid being overwhelmed by the enormity of the task in hand.