💖 HOMILY - OCTOBER 21 💖

First Reading - Romans 5:12,15,17-21 

Gospel - Luke 12:35-38

We live in a world that constantly tells us to be prepared — prepared for exams, for job opportunities, for retirement, for emergencies. But how often do we hear the call to be prepared for the most important encounter of all — our meeting with the Lord? Today’s readings remind us of the call to live with spiritual alertness, not out of fear, but out of love and readiness for the One who loves us most.

In the first reading, St. Paul contrasts the story of Adam with the story of Christ. Through Adam’s sin came death and separation from God; through Christ’s obedience and grace came life and reconciliation. Paul emphasizes that God’s grace not only redeems what was lost but overflows — it gives us far more than sin ever took away. The gift of salvation is abundant and generous, but it also calls for a response. Grace is not passive; it invites us to live differently — to be awake, alert, and ready to walk in the new life we have received.

In the Gospel, Jesus uses the image of servants waiting for their master’s return. He praises those who stay awake, lamps burning, ready to open the door when he knocks. The key message is not fear of the master’s coming but joy in being found faithful. The servants are blessed because they are ready — not distracted, not asleep, not careless — but attentive and eager to welcome their Lord.

This is a beautiful picture of what our Christian life should look like. To “stay awake” spiritually means to live every day with a sense of purpose, gratitude, and love. It means being faithful in small things — in prayer, in kindness, in forgiveness, in the duties of daily life. It’s not about predicting when the Lord will come, but about being the kind of person who is always ready, because love keeps the heart alert.

This means examining our daily choices. Are we living with our lamps lit — nurturing our relationship with God through prayer, Scripture, and service? Or have we allowed distraction, sin, or comfort to dim our light? Being ready doesn’t mean doing extraordinary things — it means doing ordinary things with faithfulness and love.

Dear friends, Jesus assures us that when He returns and finds us ready, He Himself will serve us — what an amazing reversal! The Master becomes the servant. That is the heart of divine love.

So today, let us renew our readiness — not from fear, but from hope. Let’s keep our lamps burning by living our faith joyfully, forgiving quickly, and loving generously. For when we live each day as if it belongs to God, we will never be caught unprepared.

May our hearts be awake and our lamps alight, so that whenever the Lord comes — in glory or in the quiet moments of our daily lives — He may find us ready, waiting, and full of joy.