Tuesday of the Twenty-ninth Week in Ordinary Time, October 22, 2024
Be vigilant and ready
Eph 2:12-22; Psalm: 84; Lk 12:35-38
In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus speaks to his disciples about the importance of being ready and watchful for his return. He uses the metaphor of servants waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, encouraging his followers to be dressed and prepared for his coming. The message of this passage is clear – we must always be vigilant and ready to meet the Lord whenever he may come.
Reflecting on this passage, I am reminded of the need for constant vigilance in my own spiritual life. It is easy to become complacent or distracted by the cares of the world, but Jesus calls us to be alert and ready for his return. This means actively seeking a deeper relationship with him through prayer, fasting, and acts of love and service towards others. We must be constantly striving to grow in holiness and virtue so that when the Lord does come, we will be prepared to meet him with joy and anticipation.
Today, we commemorate the memorial of St. John Paul II. Once he said, “Do not be afraid. Do not be satisfied with mediocrity. Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” These words of the beloved Pope serve as a powerful reminder of the need for boldness and courage in our pursuit of holiness. We cannot settle for a lukewarm or mediocre faith but must be willing to go out into the deep waters of our spiritual lives and trust in the Lord to provide for us. It is only through this trust and unwavering faith that we can truly be prepared for the coming of the Lord.
As we reflect on St. John Paul II’s words and the message of today’s Gospel, we are reminded of the importance of being vigilant and proactive in my spiritual life. The Lord calls us to be ready and watchful at all times so that when he comes, he will find us prepared and eager to meet him. This requires a deep commitment to prayer, a willingness to step out in faith, and a desire for holiness that surpasses all worldly desires. May we all take these words to heart and strive to be ever watchful for the coming of our Lord, so that we may rejoice in his presence for all eternity.