Reading; Luke 12:32-48

Our lives are fast-paced and full of things that need to be done. From Children's educational issues to health issues, we are filled with something to consider. We are also pressured to have a more stable job with a more stable income and to improve our performance. We are driven by the information we need to know and the constant updates of everything from entertainment information to social news. In addition, we are constantly bombarded with daily reports of the number of coronary infections.

In your country, for example, did things move a bit more slowly? I do believe that we need to calm down and slow down a bit, especially in Japan. Here in this chapel, there are people from many countries. For example, I lived in Italy for a while. I saw many Italians, for example, no matter how busy they are, without guile, take time out of their busy day to have a cup of coffee. And they spend time with their family on vacation, which is a very different way of using time from Japan.

As for today's gospel, "Be prepared" and "Stay awake" are the words of the Lord. Stay awake." What does this mean? The context of Jesus' message is always the Kingdom of God. So, we must correctly grasp the context of the coming of the Kingdom of God. First, we Christians are involved in the collaborative work of building the Kingdom of God. This is something we should not forget. No one is excluded from this primary mission. We are all missionaries, regardless of our vocation or situation.

Christ's words about being prepared then certainly have meaning. It is not a warning not to take naps or take vacations. We can never wholly overcome unconsciousness. It doesn't take a psychologist to know that. No matter how conscious we are, using 5% of our whole consciousness is the best we can do. So, there is no point in overcoming unconsciousness. Instead, at least with the 5% that I can be conscious of, I can spend my time being aware that what I am doing is my share and involvement in the coming of God's Kingdom. In my daily life, I do chores; I take care of my children; I take care of my elderly parents. I go to work. We consult with our friends. Or I am discussing our children's education with our partner. All these things our minds and bodies are "equipped" to do.

But there, the important thing is that God is watching over us. We need to have a firm sense of security somewhere that He is watching over us, not for scrutiny but for love. Trusting that God is with us, even if we cannot see Him is vital. With that trust, things will proceed according to God's plan.

The daily grind of work and responsibility can put pressure on us. Monthly payments, our children's academic progress, health, work performance, salary, house mortgage, etc. Yes, we are under more than enough tension. Still, we must not forget, amid that daily routine, can we feel God's presence amid daily events? It is the believer's question, "Are you looking for God? Are we encountering God? There is no doubt that God is always there.

However, suppose we carry on with our daily events while being aware of God's presence and hoping for His help. In that case, God will accept our hard work and dedication. The important thing is not that we are expected to do something special. What is important is to live the faithfulness of yesterday, today, and tomorrow. I believe that is what being vigilant is all about. I think that is a very courageous thing to do.

Don’t worry too much. God has been so good to us. So, God will be good to us. Amen.
 

Fr. Yosuke Sakai, SJ