Lamps burning in expectation of the Eternal
Vigilance is not fear of the future, but a constant desire to welcome the Lord who comes to visit our days with His salvation.
Lord Jesus,
awaken our hearts from the numbness of habit
and keep our expectation of Your return vigilant.
Do not let worldly distractions extinguish our faith.
Make us faithful and wise servants,
capable of caring for our brothers and sisters with love
and giving everyone the nourishment of hope.
Holy Spirit,
kindle within us an ever-active charity,
so that every moment of our day is ready to welcome You.
Amen.
In Matthew (24:42-51), the call to stay awake highlights the uncertainty of the hour and the responsibility of the mission entrusted to every believer. The Church teaches that Christians live in eschatological tension: waiting for the Lord requires daily fidelity in fulfilling duties and caring for others.
Read the prayers from past days.
A householder would stay awake if he knew when the thief was coming. Jesus says…
Stay dressed for action, Jesus says, and keep your lamps lit. Then comes the surprise:…
A man in the crowd wants Jesus to settle an inheritance quarrel. Jesus answers with…
A trick question, a coin, an image. Jesus cuts to the heart: Caesar may have…
To own Jesus before others can be costly, yet he promises to own us before…
Thousands press around Jesus, so close they trample one another, yet he speaks to his…