Be Awake, Be Ready

A reflection on Sunday's Gospel, a day late:

Jesus said to those around, "Be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.”

Since these words were first said, many people have claimed knowledge of the day when Jesus will return. It's safe to conclude that they were wrong... we are all still here. Often times, these predictions and speculations end in tragedy. Doomsday Cult, Branch Davidians in Waco Texas, the Comet Riders, and the Russian Orthodox Apocalyptic Cult to name a few. I know many people who are anxious and scared that the end is near and Jesus' return is eminent because of all we see in the news. But, should we really be afraid or anxious about the promised return? When we survey evil in the world, shouldn't the peaceful reign of Christ be a welcomed return?

If anything, we should look forward to his return with hopeful expectation. Jesus tells us to be ready for it will happen when we least expect it. Am I ready? Are you ready? Are we ready to encounter peace, Justice, and the love that is the imminent coming of God's reign?