It was getting late; my husband and I started to wonder if our dinner guests could not make it. They had not canceled our plans, so we just pressed on in getting the meal together. One by one each dish of our meal was ready, but still our guests had not arrived. I put the food in the warm oven to keep it hot, and started on some of the dish washing. My husband set the table, and the children looked anxiously out the window for their friends.
The vigilant servant awaiting the arrival of “the Master” must have been doing a similar thing. He kept a look out for the arrival of the master, but also kept preparations in order (Luke 12:35-38).
The interesting thing about this passage in the Gospel of Luke is that it comes right after the passage where Jesus tells us not to worry about the cares of this life. He then tells us what we should be concerned about: the moment when we face Him in eternity at our death or at the second coming of Christ. This is when the Master will come expecting us to be ready.
When I am awaiting dinner guests, I am always vigilant about serving a good meal in a clean house, but am I vigilant about preparing my soul to face my Lord and my God? Is my treasure in Heaven or am I distracted by the cares of this life?
The Gospel reminds me that I need to take a look at my heart and my habits, and see if my treasure is in the right place. I need rid myself of all that keeps me from Him, and replace them with new things that bring me closer to Him. I need to set aside time for regular prayer, and be more attentive in that prayer. I need to seek out the Sacraments to help me clean the house of my soul in order to be ready when the Master arrives.
Take some time today to examine your conscience, and try to get to the Sacrament of Penance this week. Make the changes you need to make to be ready for His return. It could happen at any hour, at any moment. If you make the choice to be vigilant every day, He, in His great mercy, will find you ready.
Susanna Spencer is the Theological Editor for Blessed is She who studied theology and philosophy in her earlier life. She happily cares for her three adorable little girls, toddler boy, and her dear husband in Saint Paul when not writing and editing. She loves beautiful liturgies, cooking delicious meals, baking amazing sweets, reading good books, raising her children, casually following baseball, and talking to her philosopher husband. You can find out more about her here. She is the Theological Editor of both the Catechism Studies and the Mystery Studies.
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