Tuesday of the Twenty-ninth Week in Ordinary Time
Today’s gospel presents the image of the faithful and vigilant servants who await the return of their master from a wedding. As we approach the end of the Church year, the readings at the Eucharist focus on the end times, upon Jesus’ return in glory. “Be vigilant at all times and pray that you may have the strength to stand before the Son of Man,” says the gospel of St. Luke in another passage (Lk 21:36). What is this vigilance that is asked of us? What does it mean to be ready to immediately open the door when the Master comes and knocks?
St. Paul provides an answer in his letter to the Romans. In our first reading, we are given Christ, the new Adam, who defeats sin and death through his obedience to the Father’s will by accepting the path of suffering, death, and resurrection. Jesus “undoes” Adam’s act of disobedience. “…just as through one transgression condemnation came upon all, so, through one righteous act acquittal and life came to all. For just as through the disobedience of one man the many were made sinners, so through the obedience of the one the many will be made righteous” (Rom 5:18-19).
How does this make us ready for the return of the Master? By allowing ourselves to be conformed to Christ’s example of obedience, we are freed from self-will and are able to recognize Jesus upon his return—and in turn, He is able to recognize us as faithful disciples. If we are able to be in daily and frequent communion with God through both personal and communal prayer, the return of the Master will be of no great surprise to us. Through prayer we open wide the doors of our hearts, anticipating our Lord’s coming with eager longing rather than with fear and trembling. We will be like disciples whose loins are girt and whose lamps are lighted, yearning for His coming. “Blessed are those servants,” says Jesus!
Reflection by Br. Michael Marcotte, OSB
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections