Be always prepared for you do not know when God comes…

Saturday of the 34th Week of Ordinary Time
Daily Readings:  Revelation 22:1-7; Gospel: Luke 21: 34-36

Jesus cautions his disciples to "beware." He instructs them: "Do not let your hearts become drowsy from carousing, drinking too much, or the stress and anxiety of life." He warns his disciples: "That day will catch you by surprise like a trap." Jesus then tells his disciples: "Be vigilant and alert at all times!" Pray that you will have the strength to escape the tribulations that will come. Also, pray for the strength to stand before the Son of Man!

But what kind of preparation does Jesus expect from his disciples? It is about loving God and loving people in every moment of your life. It’s finding the true meaning of life and celebrating it with gratitude, as life is God’s precious gift. The best image that Jesus uses in living life is a child. Why a child?

Because a child lives every moment with such vigor and zeal, as opposed to an adult, who tends to live with regrets about the past and anxiety about the future. Moreover, a child is also the perfect model for discipleship.

Today, Jesus warns us as well. We do not know the day or the hour of our death. Jesus wants us to be prepared for his coming. He may come to us today through an event that happens in our lives. Or perhaps he appears to us in the guise of a friend who is struggling. Or he may come to us when we are sad, lonely, or despairing. Jesus wants us to be awake and alert for his coming. He will come! However, we do not know the day or the hour. Be attentive!  Today, Jesus will come to you!

Are you prepared to meet Jesus?