Readings: Ephesians 2:12-22, Ps. 85:9-14, Luke 12:35-38
“Be like men who are waiting for their master to come home from the marriage feast, so that they may open to him at once when he comes and knocks.” (Luke 12:36)
When a man asked Jesus to help settle an inheritance dispute, Jesus told the parable of a rich fool who stored up treasures for himself, not knowing he would die that night. If only this man had known the day or hour, he would have made better decisions. Is it even possible to know how much time we have left? In other words, we could all end up like the rich fool if we fail to learn from his mistakes.
The only way to defeat death is to prepare for it. In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus uses a parable to show the importance of preparing for death. The day you were born, you gave a loud cry, and the world celebrated joyfully; live so that when you die, the world will wail while you rejoice.
Accept the fact that you cannot live forever. No matter how careful, wealthy, or holy we are, we cannot postpone our death. When your time comes, anything can take you. Human life is very fragile. Jesus asked: “And which of you, by being anxious, can add one cubit to his life span?” (Matthew 6:27).
When you come to terms with your mortality, you realise it is impossible to waste time (time is eternal), but you can waste your life. Time is unlimited, but your life is limited. Time is an opportunity; like a river, it never flows backwards. Avoid procrastination. Never leave until tomorrow what you can do today. If what takes your time daily doesn’t help you achieve the purpose of your existence, you are wasting your life.
How do we prepare for death? Jesus says, “Let your loins be girded and your lamps burning.” (Luke 12:35).
1) “Let your loins be girded” is another way of saying: “Zip up.” Avoid sins of the flesh. “Shun immorality. Every other sin that a man commits is outside the body, but the immoral man sins against his own body. Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God? You are not your own; you were bought with a price. So, glorify God in your body.” (1 Corinthians 6:18-20)
2) “… And your lamps, burning.” In other words, live an exemplary life. Like the wise virgins, carry extra oil so your lamps keep burning. (cf. Matthew 25:2-13) “For everyone who does evil hates the light and does not come to light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who does what is true comes to the light, that it may be seen that his deeds have been wrought in God.” (John 3:20-21). In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16).
“How blessed are those servants the master finds awake.” The highest blessing anyone can dream of is to die in grace. This is the kind of death we should all pray for. Before leaving your house today, say: “Lord, thank you for the gift of this day. I will live this day as if it is my last. I will strive to be better than I was yesterday. I will live a saintly life. I will love my neighbour as myself. So, help me, God.”
In today’s First Reading, St. Paul reminds the Ephesians that they once walked in darkness but have become co-heirs of the commonwealth of Israel through Christ’s blood. Jesus Christ tore down the wall of hostility that separated us from the children of God by dying on the cross. We are no longer strangers or sojourners but fellow citizens with the saints in God’s kingdom of light. What happens when we continue living in sin (practising the works of darkness)? Are we trying to send Jesus to the Cross of Calvary again?
Child of God, “Let your loins be girded and your lamps burning.” In a few hundred years, only where we spend eternity will matter. Whether we made the Forbes List of the world’s richest people or barely managed to eat one meal daily would not matter.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, grant that we may always conform our will to yours and serve your majesty with a sincere heart. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit. Amen
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Tuesday of Week 29 in Ordinary Time. Liturgical Colour: Green. Bible Study: Ephesians 2:12-22, Ps. 85:9-14, Luke 12:35-38)
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu