Today’s Gospel:  Luke 12: 39-48

REFLECTION
The Jewish night was divided into four watches. The first was from sunset or dark until 9 pm; the second from 9 until midnight; the third from midnight until 3 am, and the fourth from three until dawn. No man can continue to watch the clock around, but even though some slept, the watching servant would have time to awaken the others so that all would be ready to meet the Master. In today’s Gospel, when the Lord changed the simile to that of a thief coming in the night, He introduced a note of danger. Again the suggestion is made that this scripture be linked with the parable of the ten virgins (Matthew 25). Five virgins actually expected to rejoice with the bridegroom but alas, their joys were turned to sorrow. A thief stole their greatest jewels!

Peter’s question (“Speakest thou this parable unto us, or even to all?”) was apparently never answered - at least not to him personally. The Lord knew that in days to come some teachers would state certain scriptures only applied to specific classes of men - this for the Jews; that for the Gentiles. Two great words stand out in bold relief. They are WATCHING and WORKING. If watching is the evidence of faith; working is the evidence of faith in action. Watching for the Lord’s coming may prepare the soul for the great day; but working for the Lord’s coming is the sure way of bringing additional guests to the wedding feast. It must ever be a cause for regret that so many Christians spend weeks searching for signs of the Lord’s appearing, but never go forth into the highways and byways seeking the lost for Christ. Watching and Working are the twin sons of faith. Both must develop and become strong. Happy indeed is the Christian in whose heart this is taking place; he is destined for promotion in the coming kingdom.

Today’s Reading:  Eph 3:2-12

PRAYER
Lord, help us to be vigilant and at the same time industrious in making your church ever-growing and ever-strong.  In Jesus’ Name we pray.  Amen.