Reading: Matthew 24:36-44
“But about that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. For as the days of Noah were, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. For as in the days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day Noah entered the ark, and they knew nothing until the flood came and swept them all away, so, too, will be the coming of the Son of Man. Then two will be in the field; one will be taken, and one will be left. Two women will be grinding meal together; one will be taken, and one will be left. Keep awake, therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. 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 hour you do not expect.
Reflection
Reading this scripture during this time of the year always reminds me of the busyness of the holiday season. We must Get Ready! At home we are busy planning meals, buying and wrapping gifts, decking our homes with ornate trinkets that reflect the season. Pumpkins, mums, and bright colored leaves are traded for glittering trees, poinsettias, and evergreens. The church is also scurrying to get ready, Advent is coming, then Christmas, followed by Epiphany! Such a busy time of year! But if we really listen to the scripture, there is only one thing that Jesus asks of us, that we are always aware of his presence in all things. That we stay alert to see Jesus in the heartfelt gifts, in the needy at our doors, and in one another. For we know not when, where, or in whom Jesus will show up, and we must get ready!
–Karla Leiby
Prayer
Lord, keep us awake that we will always be ready to receive you, whether in the midst of the familiar or the eyes of a stranger. Help us to see the true meaning of these days as we give thanks and praise to you for all that you provide.
Amen.