Here, Jesus is instructing his followers to always be prepared for the day when he will come again in glory. While we wait, signs of his presence remain in beautiful moments that delight our senses and stir our hearts. Jesus reveals himself in kind words and acts of love. Jesus reveals himself in forgiveness, reconciliation, and welcome.
To what degree does believing in Jesus’ return affect the way you live your faith? What sort of feelings does the idea of Jesus’ return bring? If Jesus were to return today, what would you want to be doing? How would you want to be living your faith? Are you living that way now? If not, what is keeping you from doing it?
Pray this ancient prayer: Guide us waking, O Lord, and guard us sleeping, that awake we may watch with Christ and asleep we may rest in peace.” (Book of Common Prayer)