Meditation: August 12, 2007

"Be dressed for action and have your lamps lit; be 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." Luke 12:35-36    
 

Reflection:

In this scriptural passage, we are advised to be ready for our master’s return, to wait expectantly so that we are prepared for the second coming of the Son of Man. Yet for what are we waiting? We have already been called to serve one another—to feed God’s sheep. Jesus Christ has laid out that mission quite clearly.

So this passage challenges me to reflect more deeply on what it means to be prepared. If I’m dressed for action and my lamp is lit, I’m totally grounded in the present moment--not dreaming about some future reality or reminiscing about some past triumph. Not oblivious to what is immediately in front of me or focused on what is so far away I can’t comprehend it or touch it.

I’m reminded of a conversation with a city official who oversees programs for the homeless, many of whom are employed at minimum wage jobs and have families to support. “Who are these people?” I asked. “Iowans are generous. If they see families without homes, without resources, they’re likely to help,” I expounded.

His response was telling. “Next time you buy cosmetics at a department store, pay attention to who’s helping you. Chances are that person is struggling to get by.”

He was telling me to be dressed for action and to have my lamp lit. Need is all around me, ready to be seen, ready to be addressed.

Prayer:

Servant God, challenge us to pay attention to those we meet each day who need our love and support. Amen 

Question of
the Week: Am I alert to God’s call in my world?        

Meditation written by Diane Glass of the St. John's Writing Team.