REFLECTION FOR TODAY
October 19, 2021
By Fr. Andrew Ibegbulem, OSA
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.” Lk. 12:35-36
In anticipation of their master’s return from his wedding feast, the servants are expected to put on the proper attire, prepare food, put on the light so that their master and his new bride can easily find their way to the door and station themselves to be attended to properly.
What does it mean to “Gird your loins?” Symbolically, this phrase means to be ready for something difficult or challenging. It means to be vigilant and prepared. Spiritually speaking, Jesus is telling His disciples to be ready for the spiritual battle that awaits them.
Jesus tells His disciples to light their lamps. A phrase could have a variety of meanings, such as “Do not remain in the darkness of sin or ignorance” or “Let the light of charity shine forth as you navigate through life” or “Allow the light of truth to shine within your mind.” So, by the light of faith, the disciples are to be prepared and vigilant, ready to do all that the Lord sends them to do.
How blessed those servants would feel! Their master had treated them with love and compassion, enabling them to love him in return. What is this parable, but an indication of our lives as servant of the great master Jesus? He has called us to serve him vigilantly in preparation for the day when he is united with his bride the Church and to share in his abundant joy on that day.
As servants, will we indulge ourselves in our Master’s absence, or will we stay alert, ready to do his bidding? Jesus is eager to reward those who have labored in his absence and are awake and ready when he returns. He is a loving redeemer and protector, unlike any earthly master. King though He was, Jesus performed the ultimate act of service for his followers by laying down his life on the cross.
Reflect, today, upon the lifelong journey of faith and service of God to which you are called. Being a Christian is not simply something you are born into. If you were born into the faith, then ponder especially what you have done throughout your life to daily deepen and strengthen that faith. Ponder whether you have diligently responded to the countless inspirations of the Holy Spirit to spread the light of faith to others. If you have been truly faithful throughout your life, then give thanks to God and recommit yourself to this fidelity for the rest of your life. If you have lacked faith and vigilant attentiveness to the will of God, then place that in the hands of God’s mercy and resolve from this day forward to do all you can to respond to the will of God the moment God calls.
Lord, I thank You for the countless ways throughout my life that You have spoken to me, calling me to fulfill my mission of faith and love in this world. I commit to You, this day, to always remain vigilant and attentive to You every time You call. Use me, dear Lord, so that I may bring the light of Your saving Gospel to a world in need. Jesus, I trust in You.