Luke 12:35-38 NRSVue

35“Be dressed for action and have your lamps lit; 36be like those who are waiting for their master to return from the wedding banquet, so that they may open the door for him as soon as he comes and knocks. 37Blessed are those slaves whom the master finds alert when he comes; truly I tell you, he will fasten his belt and have them sit down to eat, and he will come and serve them. 38If he comes during the middle of the night or near dawn and finds them so, blessed are those slaves.

Some thoughts on this scripture

Reflection
When Jesus says to ME "Be dressed for action and have your lamp lit", what exactly is he referring to?

Reflection
Is there any particular distraction, counter-attraction, indulgence that dims or douses my lamp? Is the Lord calling me to be honest and real about myself in some new way?

Reflection
I remember that the Lord knows me better than I do myself and loves me as I am. His call to action always respects my reality.

Reflection
Anthony had reared a family of six, a just and wise man. He loved family meals - an endangered event now, but at their best, they were times when a family would truly live together, talk, joke, tease, fight, forgive, tell stories, laugh. Anthony was at his best when he could fasten his belt, have the family sit down to eat, and serve them. As he grew into his eighties he loved this scripture: The Lord will fasten his belt and come and serve them. Like Anthony I relish the thought of that banquet, Lord. Let me be ready for it when it comes.

Reflection
Being ready for the Lord was a big theme for the writers of the gospel. For us today it means being open to the various ways that Jesus comes among us. One way is in the different situations in which we find ourselves alive in love, understanding, care and compassion and prayer. Where we are alive to God's creation, in nature, love and prayer, we are ready to meet the 'God of surprises'. If we ask ourselves what we are truly grateful for in our lives, there is a good chance that we will find God there.

Reflection
How would I like you to find me when you call me, Lord? At peace with you, at peace with my fellows, at peace with myself. Let not the sun go down on my anger.