After 2000 Years Should We Still “Be Prepared?”

The Gospel readings for today (12/16) is another parable from Matthew regarding the Second Coming of Jesus.  It is about two slaves who are placed in charge of the master’s household. The first is “faithful and wise” and gives his “other slaves their allowance of food at the proper time,” and is found working upon the Master’s arrival.  The other slave is thinks “my Master is delayed,” and “begins to beat his fellow slaves, and eats and drinks with drunkards.”  When the Master arrives he places the second slave “with the hypocrites where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”   

What does this all mean?   

Ultimately, I find the message of “being prepared” in this parable as living lives of faithful stewardship during our time here on Earth.  Both slaves are placed in charge of the Master’s household without direct oversight (our plight on Earth).  In being faithful and wise, the first slave is giving and generous to others, but also has a sense of order and moderation.  Generosity, order and moderation are virtues here for good stewardship.  The second slave is abusive to other people, and is a glutton for food and drink.  The second slave takes advantage of being a steward; he consumes excessively and mows down those that are in his way.  He is obviously not prepared for the coming of the Master.

In this story I believe our take away is that even though the Second Coming seems almost foolish (though I am glad Jesus has not come back yet, I would not exist if he had), we are still called as Christians to be prepared. But being prepared is not living in fear, but living in faithfulness and wisdom, in being good stewards of this marvelous household of which we have been given charge.  How?  Be generous with your time and talents, yet seek moderation in doing so.  Seek justice for others, ensure those who have nothing are given those things needed to live; treat others with dignity.  And of course WORK…meaning actively pursue these things, don't just write about them (that challenge is to me).  Thankfully, through science and dialogue we are learning that caring for the environment is an integral part of being faithful and wise stewards of the Household.  And since we as individuals can’t do it all, find your niche, and support others to find theirs as well.

So this Advent I remind myself and us all:  BE PREPARED!!