The WORD in other words (2006) by Father Oliver Quilab SVD – Germany
Tuesday 29th Week in Ordinary Time
The Pinatubo eruption in the 1990s caught Filipinos and the scientific community unawares. In a country dotted with volcanoes, we should be adequately prepared for such eventualities and not rely on our hollow sense of improvisation. Semper paratus (Laging Handa) is not just a Boy Scout motto. In many situations, readiness is a matter of life and death.
Doctors, emergency rescue teams, firefighters, and soldiers need to be ready and alert, with the right equipment at hand when the time for action arises. Time is of the essence. Every minute counts in a crisis. A firefighter who is delayed by five minutes might find that the fire has spread, razed a building, and claimed lives. A physician who is delayed by five minutes might find that the patient has died or suffered irreversible damage during those few minutes. People in such professions undergo regular training so that they can respond effectively in critical situations.
Being prepared for Christ’s coming has that same life-and-death urgency. He comes at an unexpected hour, like a thief in the night, and expects us to be watchful and faithful to our duties (Luke 12:35-40; 1 Thessalonians 5:2). Jesus Himself tells us, “You also must be ready,” because the Son of Man will come at an unexpected hour (Luke 12:40).
The early Church looked forward to the Parousia with eager anticipation and vigilance. However, by the time this Gospel was put into writing, Christians were beginning to understand that Christ’s coming was being delayed beyond their original expectations. Today, looking back on two thousand years of Christian history, we find it difficult to expect that Christ will come during our lifetime. We have relegated the proclamation of the Second Coming to Bible fundamentalists, who sometimes embarrass us with their treatment of the subject.
Fortunately, the Church’s reading cycle has made it more difficult for us to avoid the subject of Christ’s coming. Our people need to know that the world is not moving aimlessly through time, but that God has a plan that concludes with judgment and redemption (Matthew 25:31-46; Revelation 21:1-5).
The Gospel offers us a twist that allays our fears: a beautiful picture of a banquet as a metaphor for Judgment Day. The celebration of the Eucharist foreshadows this eternal banquet. The Master will gird Himself and serve His servants (Luke 12:37). He comes again to serve us, and this is a cause for readiness and rejoicing, because we badly need what the Lord has to offer.
