Saturday April 13

Matthew 24:36-44

Trish Clifford

But understand this: if the owner of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour.

It’s easy for us to get caught up in all the things that slow us down in life. There are families to care for, jobs, finances, schedules, and relationships. There are struggles to overcome and difficulties to navigate. We can become so occupied with daily life that our attention wanders, our values begin to shift, and we lose sight of our glorious hope.

It seems so long ago that Jesus lived and died, and we can easily find ourselves thinking that he won't return in our lifetime, much less at any moment. We lose our sense of urgency, passion and expectation. But Jesus wants us to always be ready. Throughout his life he continually showed us the value of watching and praying.

Keeping watch is not a passive wishing and waiting. It is a diligent part of being prepared, a spiritual watching, together with prayer, that gives us the strength to withstand temptations and endure difficult situations. It is how we remain hopeful and faithful while continually allowing God to forgive us, cleanse us, teach us, and strengthen us.

Our job is not to know the day or hour Jesus will return. Our job is to be awake, aware and ready for any day it may occur.

Questions for reflection:

• What are some of the things that might distract you from living a life focused on hope?

• What is it about being watchful that strengthens our faith?

• In what ways does being watchful of our thoughts, words, attitudes, and actions help us prepare as we anticipate Jesus coming?

Prayer:

Good Shepherd, thank you for keeping watch over us. Teach us to be steadfast in our watching and praying as we prepare for you, whenever you come. Amen