The unknown day and hour is the title of today’s Gospel.
Matthew 24: 37-44
For as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. In those days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day that Noah entered the ark. They did not know until the flood came and carried them all away. So will it be at the coming of the Son of Man.
Two men will be out in the field; one will be taken, and one will be left. Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken, and one will be left. Therefore, stay awake! For you do not know on which day your Lord will come. Be sure of this; if the master of the house had known the hour of night when the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and not let his house be broken into. So too, you also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.
stay awake
THE SECOND COMING! STAY AWAKE! The unknown day and hour! We’ve all heard it before and as faithful as we are, it’s a bit scary to hear, is it not? Today, as I read this, I thought: could it be that this “second coming” is our realization that He is always present, that He resides in our hearts? Maybe THAT’S how He is released into the world?
Could “stay awake” mean be mindful, aware and present in order to recognize that He is not “out there” somewhere but “in here” in our hearts? By staying awake we get to witness day in and day out how He is working in our lives through the good and bad.
taken/left?
“One will be taken” – could taken mean converted or awakened to the true Source of joy. “One will be left” – could left mean unmoved, unaware of God’s action and presence in their life?
I feel like this Gospel is telling us not to seek Him out there. Remain present and mindful, remain open to His promptings, trust in His timing. I recently read words from Fr. Thomas Keating that have stayed with me and help me trust more: “Let what’s happening, happen.” His plans are way better than our plans. We’ll get it eventually but we have to remain open to His life and love. Surrender and trust.
When will we arrive?
The truth is we never “arrive” in this spiritual journey. Jesus tells us so when He says: “but of that day and hour no one knows.” Two steps forward, one step back – we make some progress but it’s almost as if we’re always beginning. We “arrive” when we pass from this life and of that day and hour no one knows.
God bless you!
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