THE WORD
Dn 7: 15–27 / Lk 21: 34–36
Jesus said to his disciples: “Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life, and that day catch you by surprise like a trap. For that day will assault everyone who lives on the face of the earth. Be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent and to stand before the Son of Man.”
IN OTHER WORDS
Who would have known beforehand that an earthquake with intensity 7.2 would “rock” and devastate Bohol and Cebu? Or, who would have known earlier that a killer-typhoon called Yolanda (Haiyan) would bring indescribable destruction to Tacloban and nearby towns? These catastrophes of last year were not expected, much less awaited, in these places of the Philippines.
A subsequent question, motivated by the Gospel of today, is: Who would know beforehand when the Son of Man is coming? Jesus, the Son of Man Himself, exhorts His listeners: “Keep awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord will come.” (Mt. 24: 42) Our Lord warns us not to be caught offguard by His return. He warns us against indulging in earthly pleasures that usually divert our attention or dull our sensitivity while keeping watch for His unexpected coming. His coming might be at the hour of our death, or at the endtime, at the Parousia, His second coming. He warns us from worrying or being caught up with things of this passing life, thus forgetting the eternal life we are destined for. The expression “Will this redound to my salvation?” might help us ponder when we are engrossed in things of this world such as honor, prestige and wealth, among others. It is best to take to heart the scripture verse: “What does it profit a man, if he gains the whole world, but suffers the loss of his own soul?” (Matthew 16:26), and then remain vigilant and ready for the Lord’s coming.
Our Lord emphasizes the importance of prayer, of constantly connecting ourselves with our Source, the Divine Being. We are to deepen in our hearts the awareness of God’s presence in us, to keep ourselves attuned to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, and to strive to be always vigilant, to be always prepared for the Lord’s coming: the day, time and circumstances of which no one knows.
Blessed Ma. Helena Stollenwerk, a co-foundress of the Congregation of the Missionary Sisters Servants of the Holy Spirit (SSpS), whose feastday the Congregation celebrates today, lived an exemplary life, in constant vigilance for the Lord’s coming. She lived a life of prayer and was earnest and true to her motto: “To God the honor, to my neighbor the benefit, and to myself the burden.”
May Blessed Ma. Helena pray for us.
- Frances Grace, SSpS
The Word in other words 2015
An annual project of Logos Publications, The WORD in Other Words Bible Diary contains daily scripture readings and reflections written by priest, brothers, and sisters of the three congregations founded by St. Arnold Janssen (the SVD, SSpS, and SSpSAP). It hopes to serve as a daily companion to readers who continually seek the correlation of the Word of God and human experience.
