In today’s Gospel, Jesus makes clear that truly intentional disciples – mature Christians – dress for success (Luke 12:32-48). That is, followers of Jesus are ready for action.
“Gird your loins and light your lamps.” (v. 35)
This is Jesus’ way of telling his disciples to put their hands to the plow, to hammer down, to put their nose to the grindstone, to participate not spectate. Following Christ and living as a member of His Church involves action, commitment, resolution and intention.
Real Disciples don’t sit around waiting for something to happen, but always are ready for action, always expecting the LORD to surprise.
Real Disciples keep their lamps lit, enabling them always to advance God’s Kingdom as instruments of divine mercy and peace.
In whatever smaller or larger ways God selects for us, we all are acting as Jesus’ servants. In this manner, Jesus expects us to be ready to open the door when He comes however simple or surprising His arrival breaks into our day.
“Blessed are those servants whom the master finds vigilant on his arrival.” (v. 37).
We do not always know when this will be. Using the image of a walled city and guards posted to keep watch to protect the inhabitants, Jesus says that it might be the “2nd Watch” or even the “3rd Watch.” (v.38). Because we don’t know when the LORD comes and knocks, blessed are those servants who when the LORD arrives, He finds ready – ready to open the door.
The LORD JESUS Himself was a servant and is a servant and asks us to be His representative in service of the good things of this world that are a part of God’s Kingdom.
We do this in our daily tasks, our common duties and normal responsibilities, our professional commitments, and in the simple enjoyments of our life.
