Gospel 

Luke 12:35-38

Jesus said to his disciples:  “Gird your loins and light your lamps and be like servants who await their master’s return from a wedding, ready to open immediately when he comes and knocks. Blessed are those servants whom the master finds vigilant on his arrival. Amen, I say to you, he will gird himself, have them recline at table, and proceed to wait on them. And should he come in the second or third watch and find them prepared in this way, blessed are those servants.”

Sermon

My brothers and sisters in Christ, Jesus teaches His disciples the importance of readiness and vigilance, awaiting His return as servants eager to serve.

Key Principles:

1. Spiritual Preparedness (v. 35)

- Girding loins: readiness for action

- Lighting lamps: illumination for service

1. Watchful Servants (vv. 36-37)

- Awaiting the master's return

- Prepared for immediate response

- Blessed for their vigilance

1. The Master's Reward (v. 37)

- Role reversal: master serves servants

- Intimate fellowship and service

1. Constant Vigilance (v. 38)

- Readiness regardless of time or circumstance

- Blessed are the prepared servants

Implications for Us:

- Live in constant anticipation of Jesus' return

- Cultivate spiritual preparedness and vigilance

- Serve with readiness and eagerness

- Expect a rewarding relationship with Jesus

Conclusion:

May we be ready and waiting.

Reflection Questions:

1. How do you prepare for Jesus' return?

2. What distracts you from spiritual vigilance?

3. How can you serve Jesus with greater eagerness?

Action Steps:

- Establish a daily prayer routine

- Study biblical teachings on Jesus' return (Matthew 24:36-44, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)

- Engage in acts of service and ministry

- Seek accountability from fellow believers.

Prayer

Let us pray: + In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Almighty, merciful, and loving God, keep us vigilant and ready for Jesus' return. May our hearts be prepared and our lamps be lit.

We pray for:

Spiritual preparedness and illumination.

Vigilance in awaiting Jesus' return.

Eagerness to serve with readiness.

Intimacy with Jesus in fellowship and service

Strength to overcome complacency and distraction.

In Jesus' most holy name, Amen.

Dear Lord, I pray that I may be counted among those blessed servants whom you will find watching when you come.

The LORD will keep you from all harm – He will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

May these prayers guide you in living in anticipation of Jesus' return.

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you,

Rev. Fr. Jhimerson Maneclang,SCJ