Blessed are those servants

(James Tissot)

Luke 12: 35 - 38

Jesus said to his disciples: 

"Gird your loins and light your lamps

and be like servants who await their masters 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. 

Our Gospel for this Tuesday leaves no doubt as to its message: be prepared.  There are many things we are told to be prepared for: natural disasters, financial security, our health, the next vacation, a camping or hiking trip.  Yet, the Gospel is about the end times and in particular about the end of our personal life.  Be prepared to meet the Lord and take an accounting for the gift of life that was given to you.  I really think that when that inevitable moment comes for all of us, our Lord will ask us one question:  "How well did you use what I gave you?" It seems to me that he will do that in the context of our lifestyle, our vocation.  As a married person, as an ordained minister, etc.  

For children, well the question will obviously be a different one should such a sad event take place in their untimely loss.  For infants, no questions only a welcome to eternal life in the arms and eternal mercy of a loving God.  So, the above passage implies a certain accountability for my awareness as to the deeper meaning and purpose of life.  

Yet, it may also be applied to today, this moment, in this place and time.  Am I prepared through the living of my faith to meet the Lord?  Is prayer a regular part of my spiritual life - do I have a spiritual life?  In prayer we greet the Lord each day and are we "ready to open immediately when he comes and knocks."  

I was sharing with a wise Trappist monk about my struggle in prayer.  I commented that at times I feel called to prayer, I respond and then the sense of call disappears.  It's like God is trying to get my attention, he gets it, I show up and then he is quiet again.  

"Prayer is in the response," he wisely reflected.  The very fact that we respond to the call to pray and begin at least is an open door to the master. 

So, take some time to "open immediately" the door for the Master.  Today, pray the Rosary, take time with a scripture passage such as the one above for our Mass today, visit the Church and our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament to just be with him.  

"Blessed are those servants."