Exhortation To Be Vigilant

Today's Reflections

Exhortation To Be Vigilant 

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Lk 21:34-36

[Jesus said to his disciples,] ³⁴“Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life, and that day catch you by surprise ³⁵like a trap. For that day will assault everyone who lives on the face of the earth. ³⁶Be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent and to stand before the Son of Man.”

Reflection:

Be vigilant at all times. Jesus’ exhortation to vigilance is a call to sobriety. Moderation is echoed elsewhere in Scriptures: “Consort not with winebibbers, nor with those who eat meat to excess; for the drunkard and the glutton come to poverty” (Prv 23:20-21). “Priest and prophet stagger from strong drink, overpowered by wine; led astray by strong drink, staggering in their visions, tottering when giving judgment” (Is 28:7). “Let us conduct ourselves properly as in the day, not in orgies and drunkenness” (Rom 13:13).

The appeal to be always vigilant is also a call to prayer. In prayer we direct our hearts to Jesus and focus our minds to heaven so that our hearts do not become drowsy. Prayer makes us stay awake and wait with hope and perseverance to stand before the Son of Man.

What does being vigilant at all times mean to you?