First Reading: Rm 5:12. 15b. 17-19. 20b-21; Psalm: 40. R.v. 8a. 9b; Gospel: Lk 12: 35-38

READY AND WATCHFUL

BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP

Jesus exhorted his disciples in the gospel of today to gird their loins. The Jews are traditionally known for their flowing garments. To enable them move freely or do any kind of work, they usually hitch up their flowing garment with the aid of a belt or a band. Therefore, to gird the loins metaphorically speaks of readiness; readiness for a course of action. Jesus also emphasised the need for his disciples to keep their lamps burning. When servants await the return of their master at night, their lamps are always kept burning to see when their master returns so they can open for him. This was a call to vigilance.

Whenever Jesus speaks like this, it is to prepare his disciples for what lies ahead. There will come a time when he will no longer be with them. A time when we he will depart from them to return again to take them to himself. So, Jesus warned his disciples that they must not loosen up their garments but must keep it girded by constantly doing the task entrusted to them. They must light their lamps by night to continue in that commitment so that they may not be found wanting when their master returns. This means that every true disciple of the faith must never relax in witnessing to the gospel day and night.

We are the followers of Jesus today. This call is once again re-echoed to our hearing of the needed to be ready and watchful through holiness of life as we await the coming Christ. God is not oblivious of our weaknesses to fail in this regard as humans flawed by the fall of Adam. This is why we are offered God’s free gift of grace through Jesus Christ. Grace is God’s unmerited favour. It is our spiritual energy booster that invigorates us in our moments of weakness. As St Paul rightly pointed out in the first reading; “Where sin increased, grace abounded all the more.” When we are tempted to loosen up our garments; when our lamps threaten to go out; if we turned to God for strength; he will supply his grace in abundance to keep us faithful.

PRAYER FOR THE DAY
Lord Jesus, grants us the readiness to always dispose ourselves to the promptings of your grace. Amen.