Wednesday, May 18, 2016

Today’s Reading  |  Luke 12:32–40    
“Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions, and give alms. Make purses for yourselves that do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. “Be dressed for action and have your lamps lit; be like those who are waiting for their master to return from the wedding banquet, so that they may open the door for him as soon as he comes and knocks. Blessed are those slaves whom the master finds alert when he comes; truly I tell you, he will fasten his belt and have them sit down to eat, and he will come and serve them. If he comes during the middle of the night, or near dawn, and finds them so, blessed are those slaves. “But know this: if the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour.” (NRSV)

Reflection
In this passage, Luke tells us to be “ready for Christ’s reappearance” as if we were “servants who are waiting their master’s return from the wedding banquet.” He also tells us to be prepared for the Son of Man, who “is coming at an unexpected hour [like a thief in the night].”  Perhaps I encountered this passage at too young of an age, but, to be honest, it has always creeped me out! “If the owner had known what time the thief was coming he would not have allowed his house to be broken in to.” Yipes! Red-alert! Hide from the Son of Man!

Maybe, when considering this passage now, I can find the Spirit leading me in a different direction. Luke tells us, “Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” Wow . . . really? Our job is only to wait, watch, and be ready to receive? Today? What a wonderful concept! This, I can do. I can seek the kingdom—here. Today—everyday.

Maybe seeking the kingdom is as simple as focusing on the love of your child over and above your trouble at work. Staying longer in the warm embrace of your spouse on a Saturday morning rather than getting up to start the laundry. Maybe I’ll start tomorrow in trying to seek the kingdom in each and every encounter! 

Prayer
Dear Father, if it is indeed your good pleasure to grant me the kingdom of heaven, then by all means, bring it on! Amen.

Written by Katy Sinclair, Associate Director of Music for Children and Youth

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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