Sunday, April 23, 2023

Today’s Scripture Reading 
Matthew 24:31–44

And he will send out his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

“From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see all these things, you know that he is near, at the very gates. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. “But about that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. For as the days of Noah were, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day Noah entered the ark, and they knew nothing until the flood came and swept them all away, so too will be the coming of the Son of Man. Then two will be in the field; one will be taken and one will be left. Two women will be grinding meal together; one will be taken and one will be left. Keep awake therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. But understand this: if the owner of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour. (NRSV)

Reflection

The verses immediately before today’s are frightening. The disciples ask for signs and are given ones common to apocalyptic visions.

So then in our passage today what catches my eye is the tenderness. The fig tree. The use of the word Father. Even the extremity of the previous descriptions is in some ways reassuring: the signs will be clear, just as the signs of the season are.

Looking ahead in the verses, the disciples are told to “Keep awake. ... Be ready!” I’ve often seen this used as an exhortation to be busy, towards urgency.

But being ready, awake, does not have to mean being on guard.

It can mean being fully present, in the moment. Paying attention to what is around you, which is not the same as speculating or anticipating.

This is advice that speaks to keeping on in the midst of chaos. After all, no one knows (not even the Son!). Ordinary activities continue, natural things continue, even if differently than before. People will eat and drink, marry, work in the fields, and prepare meals.

Our lives are made up of small, everyday actions and decisions. How do they add up? And what is the overall tone of our days? Remembering that the future is not for us to know — and that God holds all, Christ holds all.

“My words will not pass away.”

In Matthew, the Easter arrival results in commissioning the disciples to do Christ’s work. Jesus tells them, “Be not afraid. ... Remember, I am with you always, to the ends of the age.”

In these everyday moments of everyday life, even in chaos, are we ready to do Christ’s work? Are we present to his glory among everyday things, ordinary people? What do we need to become so?

Prayer

Merciful God, we have what we need to do your will. Help us see that you are with us, always and will guide us, that we may stay awake both to your work and your glory. Amen.

Written by Simon Crow, Program Manager, Discipleship and Small Group Ministry

Reflection and prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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