22 October 2013
Tuesday of the Twenty-ninth Week in Ordinary Time
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.
Blessed are those servants
whom the master finds vigilant on his arrival.
To those readers who have adult children, far from home, whom they only get to see a few times a year, or perhaps to those who receive a dear friend who has traveled just to see you: If you knew your son or daughter or friend were coming for a rare visit, would anything in daily routine be amended? Would sheets be washed and a bed made? Would you buy her favorite tea she likes to drink or make sure you’ve cleared at least part of your calendar in order to spend time with him? Would you leave the porch light on and stay up, knowing that they have a late flight? Do we not feel a little bit lighter, a bit more excited or joyful, in anticipating this most welcome visitor?
These little acts of love and hospitality go a long way.
What about with the Lord? Are we ready to receive him into our home, into our lives, into our hearts? And in times of contentment, peace, and even profound happiness?
If we are not “ready” for the Master in times of joy and thanksgiving, how can we imagine that we will be “ready” for Him in times of difficulty and anxiety?
Perhaps today’s prayer can be simple and joyful: Steal away for a bit with the Lord who loves you, and prepare a little space in your heart to welcome Him in. Share with Him what is yours and help Him to feel at home.