Watching and Waiting

Gospel: Mark 13: 33-37

"Be ever watchful," Jesus tells us.  But what are we watching for?  We will be told that we are to watch for the return of the master, the second coming of Jesus, though we know that train has been awaited for some time.  Instead, we are to consider our own mortality and the inevitability of our death.  For it is then that we will encounter the Master again.

The word "again" implies we have encountered him previously in our lives, and indeed we have - many, many times.  And in this final encounter with the Lord we will be reminded of those times of encounter with the master: when he was hungry, thirsty, naked, homeless, in prison, sick, and a stranger and outcast.  The Master will remind us of these encounters, and we will remember when we did and did not recognize the Lord in them.

So we are to be watchful over our own mortality, to be mindful of death.  But we are to be watchful of the Lord's coming each day in the persons who need our help.  If we want to encounter Jesus in the manger, see him in a prison cell or in a hospital bed in the person of a prisoner, a sick one, an immigrant and refugee.  If we wish to give Jesus gifts, bring his poor food, drink, clothing to wear, and a home for shelter, warmth, and love.