Matthew 24:42-46 NRSVue

⁴²Keep awake, therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. ⁴³But understand this: if the owner of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. ⁴⁴Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.

⁴⁵“Who, then, is the faithful and wise slave whom his master has put in charge of his household, to give the other slaves their allowance of food at the proper time? ⁴⁶Blessed is that slave whom his master will find at work when he arrives.

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Some thoughts on this scripture

Reflection
Unlike the early Christians, I am not expecting the Second Coming of Jesus at any moment. For 2000 years we have heard prophecies that the end is nigh. Since you, Lord, refused to say when that end might come, I will not believe the sensation-mongers who claim to be in on the secret. Your message, Lord, was always: /Be ready. Live in such a way that you can meet the Lord with love./

Reflection
Jesus recommends that we be prepared for the coming of the Lord in our lives. God can enter a life with strength and vigour, as in those times, few though they may be, where we feel ourselves really strongly moved and called by God. Mostly the action of God is gentle, small and insignificant callings in the ordinariness of life. These may come to mind in prayer. In prayer we may recall times when we felt close to God and God's calling. Recalling them in prayer can strengthen the love and call of God in our lives.