Waiting and Praying

08-10-2025Weekly ReflectionFr. Bing Colasito

On many occasions in the Gospel, the Lord teaches His disciples about vigilance, for the coming of God, or against thieves or those who want to harm God’s people. But this watchfulness should be translated into one’s spirit of prayer and the constancy of one’s faith.

Jesus uses two (2) metaphors to illustrate vigilance: Being girded to serve and having a ready-lighted lamp while waiting. - The Jews customarily tuck their garments into their belt when they are going to do some work, or going on a journey; so that girding one’s loins shows readiness or preparedness for any task. - The lighted lamp is necessary for one on guard duty or waiting for their master.

In ministry, we meet people. It is good when we encounter people who are ready to gird their loins and always have their lamps burning. They are disciples who are ready and willing to serve the Lord, where they are needed. People who dress for service, whose priority is to help in any way possible. In this context, readiness also means having a lighted lamp.

Are we ready to accept the Word of God into our lives? The Lord invites us in the Gospel to be watchful all the time. He returns at the end of time, and His glory will reign forever. When Jesus left the first time, many of the disciples believed the Second Coming was imminent. In my father’s house, there are many dwelling places. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back again and take you to myself, so that where I am, you also may be. (Jn. 14: 2,3) Jesus went to His Father to prepare a place for them in heaven, and He would come back any time to get them.

The sad part of Jewish history is that they had been preparing for the coming of the Messiah, but when Jesus came, they did not recognize Him and were not ready to accept Him. Their preconceived ideas about the Messiah clouded their understanding of the Son of God, Jesus Christ. They were expectant, but they were not discerning in their waiting. Most of them are close to certain beliefs of the Law - are ritually clean but spiritually corrupt. They were not wearing the clothes of forgiveness and mercy and were self-righteous. Their lamps are unlit. - The acknowledged guardians of the Law or Scriptures did not recognize Christ. The Son of God came, and the hoi polloi (the people) embraced Him, but those who were supposed to welcome Him, the religious elites, rejected Him.

Jesus tells His disciples to be watchful and vigilant, “like servants who await their Master’s return from a wedding, ready to open when He comes and knocks.” We live in a world full of many distractions and attractions, possessions, power, and pleasures. Be careful not to stray from focusing on what is essential, the heavenly treasures. Faith gives us confidence and courage in the face of the many distractions. Let go and let God. God reminds us not to seek security in worldly things or accomplishments, and to stop our desire to control. Instead, believe, trust, surrender, hope, and obey His holy Will.