Saint Matthew 24, 42-51: Be prepared.
The continuous reading of the Gospel of Matthew will conclude next Saturday, and the Gospels for the last three days of this week are taken from Jesus’ discourse on «eschatological.» The eschatological discourse refers to the final events and, specifically, to the attitude of vigilance that we must have regarding the last coming of Jesus.
Today he tells us with two very expressive comparisons: the thief can come at any time, without prior notice; the master may return at the hour when the servants least expect it. In both cases, vigilance will make the thief or the master find us ready. We do well to be recommended vigilance in our lives. Not that the end of the world is imminent, with the glorious appearance of Christ. Nor that our death is necessarily near. But it is that the Lord’s coming into our lives happens every day, and it is this coming, discovered with vigilant faith, that makes us ready for the other, the definitive one. All life is full of moments of grace, unique and unrepeatable. The Jews did not know how to recognize the arrival of the Envoy: do we miss other occasions of meeting with the Lord?
For example, the student studies from the beginning of the course. The athlete makes an effort from the beginning of the stage or the championship. The peasant thinks about the final result already from sowing. Although neither the test nor the final goal nor the harvest are imminent. It is not foolish to think ahead. It is wise. Day by day the final success is worked. Day by day the future is lived and, if the time is used, the final joy becomes possible.
«Be awake»: a good slogan for the Church, a pilgrim people, a people on the march, which is walking towards the last Coming of its Lord and Spouse. Good slogan for awake Christians, who know where they come from and where they are going, who do not simply let themselves be carried away by the current of time or events, who do not remain drowsy along the way. Being awake does not mean living in fear, or even less in anguish, but it does mean living seriously. Because we all want to hear, in the end, the words of Jesus: «Very well, good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of your Lord.»
Peace and good!
Fr. Antonio Majeesh George Kallely, OFM
