Friday of the Thirty-Second Week in Ordinary Time
We often live our lives as though we expect to live forever. In his letter to the Romans, the apostle Paul admonishes Christians to wake up from their spiritual slumber, reminding them to understand the present time. “Salvation is nearer now than when we first believed” (Romans 13:11). The “present time” Paul refers to is the return of our Lord Jesus Christ at the end of the world.
It’s easy to get caught up in our own routines. As we move through our busy days, from one task to the next, the day quickly passes—then the week, then the month, and suddenly, another year is gone. The rhythm of life may lull us into thinking that we have plenty of time ahead. But life doesn’t always follow that pattern. Many early apostles, including those who followed Christ closely, met untimely deaths, some at young ages. Whether we die as martyrs for Christ or in another way, one thing is certain: we will all eventually return to the dust of the earth. That day is coming for each of us.
In today’s Gospel,Luke presents Jesus reminding us that the end of this world will come when we least expect it. The curtain may fall on the grand drama of humanity at any moment. Just as the Israelites prepared for the Messiah’s first coming more than two thousand years ago, we too are called to prepare for Christ’s return. He walked among us once, and He will return again, at a time we least expect.
We are urged to take steps now to prepare for this triumphant return. The unexpected nature of Jesus’ second coming should humble us, reminding us to live with anticipation, seeking His restoration and justice in our world today as we prepare for the full arrival of His kingdom. As Paul writes, “The night is far gone, the day is near. Let us then lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armor of light” (Romans 13:12).
Live each day as though it could be your last—because one day, it will be!
Reflection by Ezra, seminarian
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections