"No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come. It's like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with his assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch.
"Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: 'Watch!' " [Mk 13:32-37]
Now it's time to shift into clean-up mode. Time to pack away the decorations for another year and put the house back in order. We're in housekeeping mode. In this passage I selected for today's meditation I mulled over this simile Jesus used in referring to this interval between Comings. We are watchful housekeepers.
In what is referred to as the Olivet Discourse repeatedly Jesus told His disciples to remain alert in the end age. He explained that "only the Father knows" the time to come and, fully understanding the great need for vigilance, He warned strongly to "take heed."
We can draw upon His imagery in this painted scene to visualize us as dutiful servants with specific assigned tasks as we await the homeowners return. Keeping watch and ever ready.
"Don't let him find you sleeping."
Today I am reminded that though our waiting has passed, we wait still. Christmas Advent is over yet Final Advent lingers. Let's determine to be good housekeepers.
By the power of Your Holy Spirit may we remain faithfully vigilant in the present age. Amen.
"What I say to you, I say to all: 'Watch!'"
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