20-Oct-15

October 20, 2015

Gospel LK 12:35-38
Jesus said to his disciples:
“Gird your loins and light your lamps
and be like servants who await their master’s 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.”
Reflection:
In today's gospel, Jesus talks to his disciples about being ready. He uses a term that we may not be familiar with “Gird your loins."
The manner of dress for men, in Jesus' time, were long, flowing robes that were restrictive when performing physical tasks. It was common for men to "gird' or tuck the robes up under a belt or rope around their waist in order to work unencumbered.
There are many things in today's world that can encumber and restrict me from being "like servants who await their master’s return from a wedding."
Still, I believe Jesus wants me to enjoy the healthy pleasures of life. He does not expect me to live the life of a monk. Of course, I should take pleasure from a ball game or a family day at the beach.
At the same time, I should be "vigilant", always keeping Jesus Christ foremost in my mind.
In our everyday life, if we stay alert to opportunities to serve others in the name of Christ, then Christ will always be prepared to bless us...His servants on earth.
Two years ago, while on family holiday in New York city, my then 11 year old grandson and I were deep in conversation while strolling down busy 8th Avenue.
Suddenly, he turned and ran back the way we had come. He stopped in front of a beggar we had passed, reached in his pocket and dropped a bill in the beggar's cup.
When he returned, I slapped him on the shoulder and said, "Nice going," and we went on our way.
Have fun in life, but be ever "vigilant"....."ready to open immediately when he comes and knocks."
"Go out and look for the poor." Pope Francis