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Gospel: Luke 12:35-38
Jesus said to his disciples:
“Gird your loins and light your lamps
and be like servants who await their master’s return from a wedding,
ready to open immediately when he comes and knocks.
Blessed are those servants
whom the master finds vigilant on his arrival.
Amen, I say to you, he will gird himself,
have them recline at table, and proceed to wait on them.
And should he come in the second or third watch
and find them prepared in this way,
blessed are those servants.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
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At the time of Christ, the night was divided into three different parts – the first, second, and third watch.
Once the sun fell, soldiers would literally pace back and forth along the perch of the city walls looking for thieves or invading armies.
The third watch was always the hardest post, because it lasted from roughly 2 – 6 am, the darkest part of the night.
Anyone who’s ever had to stay awake that long knows how hard it is. As the night drags on, you must become more and more focused; otherwise, you’ll succumb to sleep.
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This is the type of vigilance the Lord asks of us spiritually in today’s Gospel. Live as if Jesus is coming by the end of the night.
Statistically speaking, that’s highly unlikely. It’s already been almost 750,000 days since Jesus first spoke of his return!
Still, he wants us to, “Be alert! Stay awake!” Act as if his judgment is on the way.
So, how should we prepare for the Lord’s return?
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Personally, I’d want to resolve any conflict; forgive wrongdoings; offer an apology wherever needed; and go to confession.
I’d tell my family and friends that I love them; thank those who’ve been good to me; hug a friend; and say a prayer.
“Blessed are those servants,” Jesus says, who do these things.
Even if the Lord is delayed in his return, seeking reconciliation, extending forgiveness, praying, and being grateful for those whom we love, is the healthiest way to live.
Whether it’s tonight, or seemingly forever away, come Lord Jesus. We will be ready.
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Image credits: (1) YouTube (2) Unsplash (3) Reading Acts, WordPress
The line that set me off pondering was: “Be alert! Stay awake! Act as if his judgment is on the way.”
I know what keeps me awake at night. I know what my demons are. Is it judgement of myself at that time before God versus God’s judgement of me? Will God say, “Have you learned from those mistakes/misdeeds/missed opportunities? Did you become a better person because of those misadventures?” Will you forgive yourself?
I’m still pondering.
I often say in the Sacrament of Penance, God not only forgives, he also forgets! Sometimes we have to learn to let go ourselves. 🙏