Today's Gospel is a collection of short parables, in which the chief characters are a master and his servants. The master is the risen Jesus, who will come again in glory, and the servants are his followers.
Jesus instructs His disciples to be vigilant for the “master’s return”. During this time we have to be eager to learn and to do the “master’s will” and to keep vigil, in spite of the master’s delay in coming back.
The future coming of the Son of Man is certain, but its precise time is not known. Therefore the proper attitude for the servants is constant watchfulness. They should not use the master's apparent delay as an excuse for improper behavior.
In today’s Gospel we hear some of the most beautiful words spoken by Jesus: "Fear not, little flock... "What love, what tenderness in these few words! "Fear not... "
The Lord had such great tenderness and solicitude for us. “Flock” conveys his all- embracing love. We are his little flock.
Little, numerically and little because weak and in need of a shepherds protection and care against the wickedness of the wolves who seek to devour the flock. This little flock addressed with such tender devotion by Christ, is the Church
Jesus knows the world, its dangers, its temptations its cunningness. He understands well our tiredness, he foresees discouragement and fear, from here His words: “Don’t be afraid, trust in me and trust God, the Father. “Your Father is pleased to give you the Kingdom”. What a blessing is ours.
The time from the Resurrection of Christ to the end of the world is the time for waiting. It is a long waiting that has to see us alert. When we were baptized we received a burning candle with the words: “This candle represent your faith. Keep it burning till he comes” And He will come to judge the living and the dead. He will come when I die.
This thought of the coming of the Lord should fill us with joy, trust, confidence. We know, through faith, that there is Life, with capital “L” after this life on earth.
To be vigilant means to be able to recognize the Lord coming to us in different disguises: He is there, at the door of our heart and knocks. Will we open to Him? |