vigilance

Blessed is that servant whom his master on arrival finds doing so. (Luke 12:43) 

Did you know that your brain prunes itself? Neurologists have found that often-used pathways in the brain grow stronger, while pathways used less frequently grow weaker and are eventually deleted. Thus, the more you think about a particular subject, the more “brainpower” that subject will receive.

This can give us some insight as we look at today’s Gospel message urging us to be vigilant for Jesus’ return. Being vigilant means training ourselves to be constantly aware of what is around us and letting this awareness influence the way we act. So in the context of this passage, a part of this vigilance would involve paying attention to our thoughts as well as our surroundings. The research suggests that the more we intentionally focus our thoughts on the Master’s return, the more we will naturally be alert to how prepared we are for that great day.

How to start? Perhaps you could try exercising a combination of internal and external vigilance.

Internal vigilance could be as simple as keeping the words of the Lord or images of him and our heavenly home in the forefront of our minds. The more we read, imagine, and reflect on these positive thoughts, the more the negative thoughts will be replaced.

External vigilance, while more time-consuming, is also extremely valuable. This involves filling our time with activities that are centered on serving the Lord and the people around us. It’s also a matter of guarding the way we treat each other, the way we demonstrate love for our families, and the way we prioritize our time with the Lord. 

Today, take a look at how you can use this two-pronged approach to help keep you ready and waiting for whenever Jesus comes. And remember, his coming is twofold: at the end of time and in your everyday life. Strive to fill your mind with thoughts of the Lord, and focus your actions on love and service. Everything else will fall into place.

“Lord, help me keep my thoughts and actions fixed on you until you come again in glory.”

from wau.org