The Gospel of Matthew, chapter 24:44

When we expect company in the evenings after the days work is done, we turn on the porch light. Our small beacon of welcome streams out to meet the visitor. This is not new, for people have a lit a candle or oil lamp for centuries and have set it at the window or outside as a sign of welcome. The welcoming light is a sign that the people inside are vigilant, watchful and awake. They are ready; the porch light outside or the light in the window inside says so.

In today’s scripture, we are cautioned to be “prepared.” The Son of man is coming at “the time you least expect” (Matthew 24:44). The people in Jesus’ day did what all people do, day in and day out. They plowed the fields; they prepared meals; they ate and drank; they married and they were given in marriage. These were every day tasks which required little thought and attention. They are the stuff of human life.

Jesus reminds us that we must be concerned about more than merely surviving. We must be wide awake to what’s going on around us for we have a great responsibility. We are responsible for keeping the flame of faith alive in our world and that means being faithful to the gospel, day in and day out.

Let us keep the steady flame of faith burning in our hearts as we go about our daily business. By acting in this way, we will show that we are ready for the Lord’s coming into our lives.

You show your readiness to receive the Lord by what you do. Do you read and meditate on His word, regularly? Do you reach out to others in need? Do you support and attend your church? If you do these things, then these are some of the signs that show you are prepared. So, stay awake! Be prepared! The Lord’s coming is always close, and the best way to be prepared for His coming is by putting into practice what He teaches.

Fr. Hugh Duffy

* NEW *: Tommorrow’s blog by Jade Varay will deal with the power of the word to change one’s life.