We do not know the time or the hour

Tony Worner reads today’s Gospel from Luke (12: 39-48) in which Jesus says if the householder had known at what hour the burglar would come, he would not have let anyone break in.

Tony says these verses, suggest scholars, are to do with ‘spiritual matters’, as opposed to the ‘practical matters’ mentioned yesterday. Jesus’ parable and subsequent explanation to Peter’s question, tells his disciples that if they are to follow him, they must be single-minded and avoid distractions. He expects calm devotion and an alert mind. Duty will certainly make demands on them, but duty is underpinned by love. Peter and the others are not to lapse into practices which Jesus found and condemned in the Jewish religious leaders that he encountered.

So again, Tony says, we hear Jesus insisting on vigilance: be prepared, do not let your attention wander so that we are ready to welcome him … at an hour we do not expect! Most of us would prefer certainty, something totally predictable, something that we can control. However, we know the Lord will come to us unexpectedly – through events and through others. Are we ready? How do we prepare? Spending more time in prayer; Making use of the sacraments that the Church invites us to – the Eucharist and Reconciliation.

The second message in today’s Gospel, is a stern reminder from Jesus that whoever has had a great deal given them, a great deal will be asked. When someone has had a great deal given them on trust, even more will be expected of them. What has been given to me? What more do I need to give back?

Tony invites us to pray:
Holy Spirit of God, grant me the gift of knowing how to be open to the presence of the Lord in my life, and the gift of wonder and gratitude for all that has been given me, and I pray for the gift of generosity in giving. This I ask through Christ our Lord.