Always ready to meet Christ

By Fr. Roy Cimagala

“BE like servants who await their master’s return from a wedding, ready to open immediately when he comes and knocks.” (Lk 12,36)

With these words, it is quite clear that we need to be always ready for our meeting with our Creator who can actually call us anytime. We came from him and we are supposed to go back to him who wants us to be his image and likeness and sharers of his divine life.

We should never be distracted, much less, forget the real and ultimate purpose of our life. We are here on earth still being created and redeemed by God, and we have to do our part in that divine project. We are here on earth to be trained to be what God wants us to be, as well as to be tested whether what he wants us to be is also what we would want to be.

Thus, we need to be vigilant always, both in good times and in bad times, and most especially in ordinary times which we still would not know whether it is good or bad. We should never let our guard down.

This is simply because we have enemies to contend with all the time. First of all, it is our own selves, our own weakened flesh that will always lure us to do things against God’s will and against what is truly good for us.

Then we have the world with all its sinful attractions and temptations. And, of course, the devil himself. Never discount him. He’s always around, prowling like a lion looking for someone to devour. (cfr 1 Pt 5,8)

In what may seem to be good times, when things are more or less ok, let us thank God and do our best to make use of all the blessings and good opportunities made available for us.

But let’s not forget that the good things can also occasion dangers for us if we are not careful. We should know where those dangers lie in the good things that we may enjoy at the moment. In that way, we avoid falling into complacency that will practically spoil us, and take away the goodness of the blessings we are enjoying.

And in what may seem to be bad times, let us never forget to look for the one good thing in those situations. There will always be one or two or even more good things on these occasions and turn them into vehicles for redemption.

This can happen if we turn to God in the first place. He will always forgive us and He knows what to do with whatever mess we make. In that way, we avoid falling into sadness and bitterness, and can remain calm and hopeful in spite of the suffering and pain we may be undergoing at the moment.

We really need to upgrade our vigilance skills especially these days when we are living in an increasingly complex world. We should not take this need for granted. Remember Christ telling his disciples: “Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life…Be vigilant at all times.” (Lk 21,34.36)

Let us strengthen our hope that is firmly anchored on our faith and trust in the ever-wise and omnipotent providence of God. We should remember that it was God who started everything and it will also be he who will end, complete and perfect everything. Ours is simply to go along with him.

Email: roycimagala@gmail.com