When and how Jesus has been present to us

 
Reading: It will be good for those servants whose master finds them ready, even if he comes in the middle of the night or toward daybreak. Luke 12:38.
 
Good morning, happy Tuesday, and many blessings my dear family.
 
The Gospel for today (Luke 12:35-38) opens with Jesus telling his disciples to “gird their loins and light their lamps.” In Jesus’ day, the disciples understood exactly what he meant. These two actions are part of the preparation for the master’s return. These are not words that we would use today. However, the custom of preparing for guests and then waiting for their arrival also is part of our lives today!!

Jesus says that the servants who wait patiently for their master’s return will be blessed for their vigilance and their patience. Every day we also “wait” for the coming of Jesus into our lives. Some days, we clearly know when and how Jesus has been present to us. Other days, we may wait and wait and wait for his coming and we may never tangibly experience his presence. Perhaps what is most important is our “watching and the waiting.” If we don’t open our eyes and hearts to “look” for Jesus throughout our day, we simply may miss his coming! However, if we are watchful and vigilant, we may see Jesus in everyplace we go and more importantly, in each person we encounter!
 
In busy lives, waiting can be experienced as a waste of time, a delaying of what is desired. However, waiting can be formative as it was for the chosen people entering the promised Land. It can serve to prepare, to foster alertness, to be ready when the master returns. We pray for the patience to wait, for the readiness to be alert to the surprising ways in which the Lord comes to visit us.
 
We are accustomed to hearing of servants waiting on the master, but we know that God is waiting for us to be ready to receive the visitation from on high. There is reversal of the usual situation in reading that the master will wait on and will serve those faithful helpers. Lord, we pray that you will keep us alert and ready to wait for you, to wait on you, knowing that you wait on us as a humble servant.
 
Jesus speaks of his coming as a time of joy and celebration, not of fear and trembling. We only need to be prepared so that when he comes we can open the door to him. Happy those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes. Lord, help me to live with my lamps lit and ready to welcome you when you come into my life. Today Jesus will come to you (and to me)! The question for us is: will we patiently wait for Him? Will we be watchful and awake to his coming? Or will we become drowsy, lethargic and fall asleep? If we are alert and awake, Jesus not only will come to us, but He will also serve us at table. And we will receive the great gift of his presence and love!
 
Today, be alert!  Gird your loins! Light the lamp of your heart!  Await his coming!  Jesus will not disappoint you!  You will receive the gift and pleasure of his company!  What more could we ask for? Jesus will come to you today in the least expected person.
 
Blessings,
 
Fr. Luis+