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 19^TH SUNDAY, YEAR C: REFLECTION BY FR. JULIAN EKEH

THEME: WAKE UP! BE PREPARED!

(Luke 12:32-48)

Our parents will always tell us the importance of being vigilant and the danger of oversleeping. Some of our parents knew how to wake us up in those days when we refused to rise to join in the morning prayers. Some used the method of splashing cold water to do so. They woke us up to be spiritually ready for the new day.

A particular 'morning-cry' preacher used to wake people up when the sleep is very sweet very early in the morning with his microphone singing: 'teta n'ura, Jesus na-akpo gi... (wake up Christ is inviting you)'. Spiritual alertness is advocated by Christ in Today's Gospel Reading. In fact, it is risky to be in the sleeping mode when the enemy is awake or when duty calls demand watchfulness.

This is the time to wake up. We have to be on guard in wait for the coming of the Lord. We have to be prepared so as not to fall into temptation. We have to be awake in service. We should not give room for sleep to be known as our weak point. We've got to find out our areas of sleep and wake them. A particular senior in one secondary school, who lived as a dormitory captain in a junior hostel, was so tough in his giant stature that he almost became a terror in the school. He really instilled discipline, known by the school authorities, for his thoroughness and strictness. The students made plans for him. They realized how bad he sleeps and carried him with his bed to the school dustbin in the bush. He woke there with the rising bell. He became humbled by that and stopped operating on his power alone, which made him take things for granted. He learnt to set alarms at different times of the night to wake him and not leave him almost dead in sleep all through the night. He stopped eating heavily in the nights and avoided anything that would make him too weak in the night.

 

WHY THE SLEEP?

Sleep is a necessary rest we observe after the fatigue of our day work. The night is usually the time for sleep. But Jesus makes us see other dimensions to the night. Night is a time of watchfulness. It is a time usually seen as a hideout because of the darkness associated with it. Thieves make use of it to strike while sleepers sleep. It is a time when the serious-minded people go extra miles; when the serious student burns the midnight oil, when the serious lecturer prepare his lecture notes, when the serious politician reflects on how to take the state or country to a greater height, when the man of prayer storms heaven in prayers. Little wonder Jesus asks: Why do you sleep? Rise and pray (Lk 22:45-46). "Onye ulo ya na agba oku anaghi achu oke." Let us rise in faith. "Onye ndi iro gbara gburugburu na eche ndu ya nche mgbe nile." Let us be vigilant and strong. Jesus says if the householder had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would be awake and would not allow his house to be broken into. We have known that the dark nights are the times we are targeted. For this, Jesus invites us to tarry till his return.

 

WHAT THE WATCHING IS ALL ABOUT

Sleep is a state of unconsciousness. Jesus calls us to be conscious of his presence always. At night, one thinks that his deeds are not noticed, and he relaxes and hides under the dark to slumber in evil. He loses consciousness of whom he is and what his calling is about. He is made to believe that God is not awake. The Lord sees. The dark is not even dark to him. Sleep makes one forget. Jesus wants us to remember his words and instructions and never allow them to elude us at any time even when we think he is taking His time. Sleep gives room for dreaming and fantasizing. He says about the unfaithful servant: "If he says to himself,' my master is delayed in coming' and begins to beat the menservants and maidservants..." This is living unrealistic life, life that is not expected of you, being lose and living without divine awareness. Thus, watch and guide against being taken over by weakness of sleep.

 

HOW TO WATCH

Jesus tells us how to watch; well dressed. Let your loins be girded. To be vigilant, we must not put on a sleeping gown. We must be fortified. Dressed in goodness, holiness, and virtues. We must put on righteousness as garb. We must have our lamps lit. Since it is dark, we must put on the light and endeavour it doesn't go down. Winds are more at night. Is your torch still burning, or is it going down? You received the light at baptism. How well is it shining? Are your good deeds shining out?

Are you ready for the master's return? The whole instruction reminds us of the exodus experience. The Lord went in the night and delivered his people. But He called them for quick action. If you have been sleeping, wake up in haste. Move out of spiritual laziness and complacency. Guide against the breakers. Do not allow the enemy to break the door of your life. Keep it open only for the Lord to enter in. Be ready for the Lord to come at any time. May He find you awake when He comes. May you not be found in drunkenness and immorality, May you be strong in the face of the many enemies prowling. May your faith be strong.

May God bless His word in our hearts.

LET US PRAY

O Lord, Your word today encourages us. May we hear these words again and again: "Fear not, little flock for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom" May the enemies of our faith never find us asleep and may our unsleeping God defend us and give us the spirit of holy and active vigilance in the battle of life against the foe. May we be blessed and protected in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Happy Sunday to you (19th Sunday, Ordinary Time, Yr C)

Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh