First reading Romans 5:12,15,17-21
Divine grace, coming through Jesus Christ, came as an abundant free gift
Sin entered the world through one man, and through sin death, and thus death has spread through the whole human race because everyone has sinned; but the gift itself considerably outweighed the fall. If it is certain that through one man’s fall so many died, it is even more certain that divine grace, coming through the one man, Jesus Christ, came to so many as an abundant free gift. If it is certain that death reigned over everyone as the consequence of one man’s fall, it is even more certain that one man, Jesus Christ, will cause everyone to reign in life who receives the free gift that he does not deserve, of being made righteous. Again, as one man’s fall brought condemnation on everyone, so the good act of one man brings everyone life and makes them justified. As by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by one man’s obedience many will be made righteous. When law came, it was to multiply the opportunities of failing, but however great the number of sins committed, grace was even greater; and so, just as sin reigned wherever there was death, so grace will reign to bring eternal life thanks to the righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Responsorial Psalm 39(40):7-10,17
Here I am, Lord! I come to do your will.
You do not ask for sacrifice and offerings,
but an open ear.
You do not ask for holocaust and victim.
Instead, here am I.
Here I am, Lord! I come to do your will.
In the scroll of the book it stands written
that I should do your will.
My God, I delight in your law
in the depth of my heart.
Here I am, Lord! I come to do your will.
Your justice I have proclaimed
in the great assembly.
My lips I have not sealed;
you know it, O Lord.
Here I am, Lord! I come to do your will.
O let there be rejoicing and gladness
for all who seek you.
Let them ever say: ‘The Lord is great’,
who love your saving help.
Here I am, Lord! I come to do your will.
Gospel Luke 12:35-38
Be dressed for action and have your lamps lit
Jesus said to his disciples:
‘See that you are dressed for action and have your lamps lit. Be like men waiting for their master to return from the wedding feast, ready to open the door as soon as he comes and knocks. Happy those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes. I tell you solemnly, he will put on an apron, sit them down at table and wait on them. It may be in the second watch he comes, or in the third, but happy those servants if he finds them ready.’
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Reflection
“Be like people waiting for their master to return from the wedding feast, ready to open the door as soon as he comes and knocks”. Who is this master? The master is Jesus Himself. We know that our life here on earth will end one day, and we will then meet Him face-to-face. We do not know when that day will be, but we need to live in a state of readiness by living a life of love and service. Thus, let us reflect and ask ourselves honestly: Is my belt done up for the journey to meet Jesus, my Master, and my lamp lit to welcome and receive Him when He comes at the hour of my death?
We know that Jesus does not come to us at the end of our lives, but He comes to us every single day. Jesus, our Master, is God who is with us. Each day as we place ourselves at the service of others, Jesus is with us to serve us by nourishing us with the daily bread of His peace and strength. Let us not be complacent or half-hearted in living our Christian life.
Question for reflection:
Am I aware of Jesus’ presence and ready to welcome Him into my life?
Am I aware of Jesus’ presence and ready to welcome Him into my life?
