Look Busy, Jesus is Coming

In today’s Gospel we hear two parables about being prepared for the unexpected. The master did not know that a thief would break into his house nor did the servants know when their master would return. Jesus tells these parables to illustrate his point that we do not know when he will return but we must be prepared.

What then is the answer as to how we should prepare for Jesus’ coming? First, I will say that I think less about Jesus’ second coming and more about going to meet him. Of course, I hope to meet him a long time from now, but one never knows the time which is the point of Jesus’ message is, of course.

Many years ago I heard a new definition for the word busy, “Being Under Satan’s Yoke”. It is quite possible to look at the Gospel and think that it is better to be doing something, anything at all so we are busy and ready for Jesus. But busyness as a way of life is not the point. The only way to prepare to meet the Lord is through constantly turning ourselves over to him. Being prayerful, dedicated to the Word, taking care of those God has put in our lives and discerning God’s will for us will find us ready for Jesus.

This verse “Much will be required of the person entrusted with much, and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more” (Luke 12:48b), reminds me to live up to my potential. Not for myself, but for God. It is not easy, because I struggle with comparing myself to others and busyness can become a way of looking good. I must constantly remind myself that God’s plan and therefore my potential are far greater than what I envision.

So the next time we want to get busy, stop and ask ourselves why or else we may be serving the wrong person.