Be ready, dress up and light lamps

Rom. 5:12.15.17-21, Lk. 12:36-38. According to St Paul in today's first reading, we are all descendants of Adam and are united by our bond with Jesus. Through Adam we share in the sins, prejudices and selfish pride inherent in human nature, but through Jesus there is an overflowing grace that can change our lives. The is the abounding, amazing grace of salvation, leading us towards eternal life. Jesus also mentions three actions in today's Gospel that can lead to life eternal: "be ready, dress up and light lamps". These are the characteristics of one who is alert and prepared to face the future. This is a wake-up call to be constant guard against relapsing into routine, lethargy and indifference.

There are times we are unaware of the direction of the flow of life and least prepared to face the unlikely events of life. Being ready will enable us to open the door with courage to the trails of life and accept them whenever they knock. Imagine the master of a household putting on an apron, inviting his servants to sit down at the table and then waiting on them. The scene portrayed by Jesus would be bizarre, totally at odds with the normal practice of those days. Disobedience, sin and death are the three consequences, as a result of not being ready. The preparedness of Jesus in obedience restored grace and eternal life. Now is the time to live our lives to the fullest and reflect the love of God to others. We must still be waiting, yes, ready to open the door of our hearts, ready to share what we have, should Jesus come even at midnight or before sunrise. If we live our daily lives well, we will be ready to welcome His special coming at the end of life.

May the Lord make us signs of unity and peace to our world so that we may all be ready to meet our redeemer! Amen!! Good morning and have a pleasant day!!!