Keep Awake

For Tuesday, August 27th

‘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

I am not one for getting up early. I also enjoy a good nap. Since I have spent a lot of my life with a family, working and going to school, I have had to work hard at keeping awake to read and finish papers. When I was in seminary and pregnant, I used to fall asleep reading and wake up as some heavy theological tome or other hit my head or made a huge noise hitting the floor. I'm not always good at keeping awake.

Jesus reminds us to be aware and to keep awake. I think he really didn't object to sleeping, rather, he is inviting us to be aware of the times and the world around us, never complacent and always alert to the dangers and abuses that abound. There is a need for us to be awake to injustice and abuse, aware and active for the causes of the poor, the needy, and all who are on the margins. We are called to be on guard for the good of all.

Today, I ask God to help me keep awake and aware of the small and large dangers around us May we all live to care and love for those around us, keeping the most vulnerable safe, and carrying love and forgiveness to all the broken places.