Keep Awake

‘From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. ‘But about that day or hour no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Beware, keep alert; for you do not know when the time will come. It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his slaves in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to be on the watch. Therefore, keep awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or at dawn, or else he may find you asleep when he comes suddenly. And what I say to you I say to all: Keep awake.’ Mark 13:28-37

We live in a time when folks seem to want to sideline truth for what makes them comfortable. We shut out real life with headphones and windows up and miss both the beauty and pain around us. We "curate" our lives, shutting away any real truth about ourselves. We don makeup and coverup any flaws and pretend we are perfect. Yet Jesus reminds us that the Creator sees us in our complete and flawed state and loves us in spite of all that we are. Jesus reminds us to be alert and awake for we do not control our time, no matter how hard we work at it. Our lives are in God's hands, and we are invited to work for divine love, spreading mercy, healing and forgiveness while we have time here.

Wondrous Creator, you make us in your image

you plant us in this time and space to serve

the needs of the lost, forgotten and abused

sharing your love in these and all hard times.

We live for ourselves and protect our wealth

as if we have unlimited time and all control

we fail to know our limits and blessings received

and we think we are the masters of our lives.

Oh Lord, make us listen to your Son today

turn our faces to the needs of our neighbors

turn our hearts to the work set before us all

and tur our hands from rebuke to service today. Amen.