We hear Jesus tell Peter and the disciples today to be prepared for an hour when they do not expect the Son of Man to come. Peter asks, “Jesus, does what you are saying apply to us or to everyone?” Jesus replies, “Peter, what I just said applies to everyone.” Jesus proceeds to tell a story about those who are prepared and those who are not, those who have oil in their flasks as they await the arrival of the master, and those who allowed the oil to run out and missed his coming.
In telling us this story about the servants and their attitude toward the responsibilities entrusted to them, Jesus is actually moving us away from predicting when the Lord will come to considering how we live as we wait. The good news today is that if we are doing all that we can possibly do and are doing it faithfully, then we will be prepared. For some, it will be the daily responsibilities we have of raising a family, caring for elderly parents, or caring for a sick spouse. For others, more may be required of us if we have been blessed with more.
St. Paul was blessed with more and did more with what he was given. He humbly spoke to the Ephesians of the unique grace that Jesus had gifted to him, the ability to bring to light the mystery hidden from ages past. Paul was gifted with boldness of speech and power from the Holy Spirit, and he believed God was calling him to preach to the Gentiles, which he did at great personal cost but with great success in making God known, loved, and served. Whatever we are doing, if done faithfully, will ensure our readiness to meet Him when He comes.
The Gospel today is an invitation to faithfulness. Faithfulness is what we do with what God has entrusted to us while no one appears to be watching. Much is given to us. The question to be asked is: What are we doing with what has been entrusted to us? One servant spoken of today was faithful in that he was distributing the food allowance to those in need. Am I faithful with what God has given to me? Am I drawing water faithfully from the springs of salvation, making known His deeds? This is what ought to concern us, rather than when He is coming, so that we can get ready.
What has God entrusted to us to do today? Are we content knowing that we are doing our best, whether it is something ordinary or extraordinary? If so, we will be ready when He comes.