Mark 13:21-37
But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come. It’s like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with their assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch.
“Therefore, keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’”
In our passage, we find Jesus talking about his second coming. He shares what to expect, with warnings. Five times in this short exchange, we are told to be attentive. To not be deceived by those claiming that the Messiah is here or is coming.
This means we must not fall into complacency or to accept the words of people who make us feel good or tickle our ears. We must be discerning in the messages we are hearing and watch for the signs Jesus tells us will happen. It means work and alert minds. It’s much easier for us to settle into a comfortable life and just carry along. We can get caught in the news, in others’ opinions, without thinking through what we know to be true. As St. Ignatius said, we need to “ask for the grace to seek God in all things.” He will show us what He needs us to see.
Jesus then tells a parable – one of those earthly stories with a heavenly meaning. He is the householder and when the ascension took place, He left his servants – you and me – in charge of his affairs. Each of us with our own tasks to accomplish.
What is my task? What is your task and what are our roles in this world? We may feel that we’ve figured it out or it may new a very new thought for us. We also need to watch for signs and confirmations from God that our roles and tasks may change after seasons in our lives.
We are charged by Jesus to “stay awake, because (we) do not know when the master will come back…”. How do we accomplish that? We keep in touch with those around us by each day, doing our best to live lives that show God’s love and compassion to the world around us. We live with honest and integrity – not always an easy task. We forgive others when it would be easier to nurse the grudge.
And all of this happens when we stay connected to the “homeowner” in prayer. God hears and answers. The simplest and most profound prayers happen when we are able, through His eyes, to be aware of His active presence in our moments, every single day. By responding to His promptings, we are able to help others be prepared as well.
Try this today, “O Lord, help me to recognise you and respond to you in love through every person and every experience of this day.”
Joyfully Yours 