When the Lord Comes, Will He Find Us Ready? (2 John 4-9; Luke 17: 26-37)

 

One of the key questions that we Christians should often ask ourselves seriously is: “If the Lord came today, would I be ready to meet him?”. Usually, we are so occupied with our daily activities, life events that the question of ultimate encounter with the Lord is neglected. And yet this is the most important encounter awaiting us. Today’s Gospel invites us to examine how we are living and whether our daily choices reflect our readiness to meet the Lord, especially at the end of our life on earth.

Jesus recalls what happened in the days of Noah and Lot. People were eating, drinking, marrying, buying, selling, planting, and building. These were ordinary activities, much like those that occupy us today. Yet, while life continued as usual, they failed to recognize the seriousness of their situation and the need to be ready to meet the Lord. Then came the flood and the destruction of Sodom. Jesus uses these examples to remind us that the coming of the Son of Man will be unexpected. The danger is that we may become so absorbed in everyday concerns that we forget God and lose sight of our ultimate destiny.

All are concerned by Jesus’s warning: Whatever may be our circumstances, the teaching of Jesus concerns all of us. In the midst of our daily activities and preoccupations, do we still find time for God? Do we remember that our earthly life will come to an end.  Do our choices reflect the values of the Gospel? Are we attentive to the needs of others? We must not postpone our relationship with God until we become less busy. It is crucial to understand that the time to prepare for the Lord is now. Tomorrow may be too late.

The Symbolic Experience of Lot’s Wife: Jesus says: “Remember Lot’s wife.” While fleeing the sinful city of Sodom, she disobeyed the instruction not to look back and paid the price of her disobedience. Her story invites us to examine the attachments that prevent us from following God wholeheartedly and obeying His will. For some, it may be the excessive pursuit of wealth or comfort; for others, it may be pride, resentment, dishonesty, or unhealthy relationships. Sometimes, we recognize what God asks of us but hesitate because changing our lives would require sacrifice. Jesus reminds us that following Him demands the courage to leave behind whatever distances us from God.

Jesus’ Challenging Words: “Whoever seeks to preserve his life will lose it, but whoever loses it will save it.” True life is found in fidelity to God, even when it comes at a personal cost. We see this in those who choose honesty despite the possibility of personal loss. Choosing forgiveness when, humanly speaking, we are tempted to seek revenge is one way of losing our lives for the sake of Christ. Caring for the sick and the poor also involves sacrifice. Remaining faithful to God amidst all difficulties and suffering requires us to let go of our ego and personal interests.  Such sacrifices offered in love, have lasting value in God’s eyes.

The Gospel concludes with the image of people engaged in the activities but facing different destinies. It is a reminder that each of us must personally respond to God. Our Christian identity, religious practices and relationship with others cannot replace a life of sincere faith in God. Our readiness to meet the Lord is expressed in the way we treat people, fulfil our responsibilities, resist evil, and remain faithful to God.

Dear sisters and brothers in Christ, the Lord’s coming should inspire us to be vigilant and hopeful in the midst of life’s challenges. We do not know when He will come, but we know how He wants us to live. Let us therefore make each day an opportunity to grow in faith, practice Christ-centered love, and put our lives in order before God. Then, whenever the Lord comes, may he find us ready to welcome Him, Amen.