“Blessed the man and woman who is able to serve cheerfully in the second rank... a big test.”

The Lord ate from a common bowl, and asked the disciples to sit on the grass. He washed their feet, with a towel wrapped around His waist - He, who is the Lord of the universe! He drank water from a jug of earthenware, with the Samaritan woman. Christ made use His aim, not extravagance... We are not to throw away those things which can benefit our neighbor. Goods are called good because they can be used for good: they are instruments for good, in the hands of those who use them properly. - St. Clement of Alexandria

Gospel Text: (LK 12:35-38)
Jesus said to his disciples:
“Gird your loins and light your lamps
and be like servants who await their master’s return from a wedding,
ready to open immediately when he comes and knocks.
Blessed are those servants
whom the master finds vigilant on his arrival.
Amen, I say to you, he will gird himself,
have them recline at table, and proceed to wait on them.
And should he come in the second or third watch
and find them prepared in this way,
blessed are those servants.”

Are you ready?

The question arises at every important transition. Are you ready? To go to college? To start a new job? To welcome a baby? To retire? Facing this question, we may list all the preparations we’ve made and in the hope that we’ll be able to handle the future that lies before us.

But there are always surprises, both pleasant and unpleasant

A similar thing happens to the servants in today’s Gospel reading. They gird their loins. They light their lamps and listen for their master’s knock. They keep dinner warm, and they’re ready to hang up his cloak and wash his feet when he does arrive. They’re expecting the expected, all set to serve their master as they have always done.

Then comes the surprise. When they hear that knock and hurry to open the door, the master commends them for being ready. Then he tells them to sit down at the table. “Tonight I’m going to wait on you!”

So how will the Master surprise you today?

Yes, do all you can to be ready to carry out your responsibilities today. Do everything possible to make sure you are obeying God’s commands and loving other people as he has loved you. But at the same time, be sure to hold your heart in readiness. God is full of surprises! He may give you an unexpected token of his love. He may fill you with the inspiration to do something you don’t usually do, like share your faith. He may call your attention to one of his children who needs your comfort, your correction, or your prayer.

Don’t limit what God can do for you, in you, and through you. Life with him is full of surprises!