ARE YOU READY OR NOT?

SABBATH

Every Mass, we acclaim the mystery of faith: Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again. The first two events have come and gone, the third has yet to be fulfilled. Some say that Jesus has already come by the coming down of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Others say He has come again at the Resurrection, or at the moment of the believer’s conversion. Jesus tells us that it will be noticeable to all. At least we have an idea when Jesus will come again when we do not expect it. We are to be watchful, ready and waiting. The Second Coming reminds me of the children’s game, hide and seek. One cries out, “Ready or not, here I come!” I suppose it will be like that when Jesus comes again. Are you ready… or not? In the Gospel, Jesus warns us of the suddenness of His coming. He cites two characters, Noah and Lot, as examples. Noah was a righteous man. God asked Noah to build an ark in preparation for the upcoming flood that would wipe out all of humanity. God was grieved at the wickedness of man. Some would be spared, such as Noah and his family. People were doing normal activities when the flood came unexpectedly. Lot was the nephew of Abraham. After the visitors came to his place, they warned Lot to escape the imminent destruction of the city of Sodom. At once, the whole city was destroyed. It was as sudden as a tropical storm that one experiences in the rainy season of the Philippines. The suddenness and unexpected arrival of the coming of the Son of man need not be a cause for alarm. We are to stand in firm confidence that Jesus is the Savior of the world. Therefore, we should take care of how we act. That’s why the daily examen is a good spiritual practice. It enables us to keep a check upon our life. Fr. Brian Steele, MGL   Reflection Question: Are you ready?   Maranatha. Come, Lord Jesus. Amen.   St. Aba Mina, pray for us.