
Being Ready
“You also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.” (Luke 12:40)
“You also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.” (Luke 12:40)
In today’s Gospel from Luke, Jesus warns us about the need to be spiritually alert, reminding us that we do not know when the "Master" will return. This passage challenges us to stay prepared, not out of fear, but with hearts eager for the Lord’s coming. Jesus speaks to the faithful and the leaders, calling His disciples to be like good stewards—responsible, attentive, and wise in caring for what has been entrusted to them.
This passage teaches us about trust and accountability. God has given each of us unique gifts, responsibilities, and roles. Whether in our homes, workplaces, or neighborhoods, we are called to manage these well, using them to serve God and others. Getting caught up in worldly distractions is easy, but Jesus encourages us to stay rooted in our spiritual life, always seeking God’s will.
The parable also reminds us of a harsher judgment if we neglect our responsibilities or fail to live out our faith. On the other hand, the reward is great for those who remain faithful—being with our Master for eternity.
Staying alert in our faith means keeping our hearts and actions aligned with God’s purposes, living every moment as if the Lord could return at any time—not out of fear, but out of love.
A practical way to stay spiritually awake is to make time for daily Scripture reading, prayer, and reflection, even when life gets busy.
How can I shift my focus away from worldly distractions to become a more mindful and responsible steward of the gifts and responsibilities You have entrusted to me?
Lord, grant us the grace to remain your faithful stewards, using the gifts You entrusted us to serve You and others in love. Amen.
Deacon John Carter was ordained in 2017. He serves at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle. At the Cathedral, he serves in the Adult Faith Formation ministry with his wife Dr. Charmaine Carter. They have 3 children. He also serves in the Cathedral’s Bereavement ministry. As part of the Diaconate formation program, Deacon John obtained his Master of Theology from Saint Leo University. He is also an attorney and runs a law practice in St. Petersburg.