"Am I Prepared?"

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“The Son of man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” Today’s gospel reading (Matthew 24:42-51) about the parable of the faithful servant has two stern warnings. The first is that we will not know the time of our death and the second is that we better be ready for our death when it comes. Jesus compares death to a thief. He tells us “that if the householder had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have watched and would not have let his house be broken into.” The same thing applies to us. If we knew when we were going to die, we could prepare for our death and avoid the unpleasantries we may experience during our final judgment. We could actually wait for the last minute to ask for absolution from our sins. We wouldn’t have to worry about the things that will keep us from entering through the gates of heaven. We could party with the drunks and dance with the sinners with no threat of the consequences. But because we do not know the time nor the place, Jesus tells us that we must be always prepared. Jesus says, “Blessed is that servant whom his master when he comes will find so doing.” This parable tells us that we should live life like today is the last day of our life.

Jesus’ second warning tells us what will happen if we are not prepared for our final judgment. Jesus says, “The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know, and will punish him, and put him with the hypocrites; there men will weep and gnash their teeth.” This is a metaphor for hell. Basically, if we live life among the wicked, with those that have no regard for the laws of the church, then we will spend eternity crying and weeping with the rest of the unrepentant sinners for salvation. However, if we live out the gospels, if we bring Christ into this world through our actions and our words, then we will be prepared and will be rewarded with eternal life in heaven. Each morning when you wake, first thank God for allowing the opportunity to live another glorious day, then ask yourself, “What if today was my last day on earth? Am I prepared?” If your not prepared, take today to seek out the salvation you need to purify your soul.

A Simple Prayer Lord, help me be vigilant in preparation for my end time; Help me be strong so that can be ready when death comes. I ask that your love and grace fill my heart with the passion to live the Gospels so that I may enjoy eternity in heaven.

Yours in Christ Michael Marcon