Every Sunday, Bishop Edward Malesic writes a Scripture reflection for the faithful. Follow the bishop on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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We read from the Book of Wisdom, “The night of the Passover was known beforehand to our fathers.”
Moses had prepared the people for their exodus out of Egypt. He told them when it would be and what they should do to prepare for it.
Jesus is also preparing us for the last exodus, but we know not the hour when this last journey of ours will occur.
In fact, we will leave this place at an “unexpected hour.”
So the Lord tells us to be always ready. He warns us not to grow lazy. He tells us that if he delays in coming to lead us home, we should not take that delay as an opportunity to beat each other up or indulge in the excesses of dissolute living. Instead, we should use the time we have to practice the virtues and fill our spiritual purses with treasures that cannot be destroyed. We should strive to be holy as our Heavenly Father is holy.
And, how do we know whether we are ready for this last exodus of ours when it finally comes? Jesus gives us a hint: we can look at what we treasure, “For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.”
If we are treasuring the things of this world more than we are longing for the spiritual gifts that come to us from Heaven above, we know that we still have work to do.
So, Jesus says, “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.”
And that is why our prayer must also be a prayer waiting and watching. When we say, “Thy Kingdom come” in the Lord’s Prayer, it must come from a heart that longs to see God face to face and be led by him on the final journey home to the place where saints dwell.
One last thing. Jesus tells us, “Do not be afraid any longer, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom.” The Lord is kind and merciful after all!
Have a blessed week everyone.