Be ready

Rom. 6:12-18, Lk. 12:39-48. We may have encountered some individuals who fought to stay free of an addiction, whether that be alcohol, drugs, gambling, or any other addiction. Often people who are recovering from such addictions devote at least part of their time to other engaging projects, not because they have to do so, but because they want to express their relief from the restriction they had when they were slaves of their former bad habits. We have been set free from our addiction to sin through the gift of salvation which Jesus has given to us through His life, ministry, death and resurrection. Today, we are challenged to examine who or what is the master of our lives. In today's first reading, Paul describes two contrasting individuals, one who is the slave of sin and the other who is a servant of God. Paul describes the person who is a slave to the law as a slave to sin. It is only with the coming of Jesus and His obedience to His Father, that we have been set free from sin. Yet that does not mean we have free reign to do whatever we want. Today, we are called to be obedient servants of God through our life service to others.
     
In today's Gospel, Jesus enjoins us to "Be ready": be ready to let go off what enslaves us and accept what will keep us free and belonging to the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus desires that His disciples be vigilant and prepared for whatever comes. They must be like good servants who do the will of the Master even when the Master has gone away for a while. The unfaithful servant only performs selfish acts in the absence of the Master. The Master, however, will come at a time when the unfaithful servant will not be expecting. The good servant is always living and acting as if the Master is about to return at any moment. In the second part of today’s Gospel, Jesus describes the accountability that will be asked of us. Those to whom much has been given, will be held more responsible for their use, or misuse, of the gifts given to them by the Master. Jesus teaches us to be mindful of the challenges inherent in being prepared for an uncertain future while also being fully grounded in the present. Being so focused on the future can pull our attention away from the present. Careful planning is a responsible choice, but there must be a sense of balance. An obsession with the future does not allow us to be available to carefully listen to one another, to offer support to those in need, to show gratitude for the many gifts we receive from God.

May the Lord strengthen and empower us to live courageously in His presence and to walk always in His path! Amen!! Good morning and have a wonderful day!!!