Reflection
“Stay Awake”! For You Do Not Know When the Son of Man Will Come”
-Matthew 24:42a-44
“Stay awake. Keep watch.” Our captain often repeated those words when we stood watch aboard a Navy patrol escort. From the bridge, engine room, and other stations, each sailor helped protect the ship. With binoculars, we searched the horizon for vessels, aircraft, or anything that might threaten our course. Staying alert required patience and discipline, especially when the sea appeared calm and nothing seemed likely to happen.
Jesus calls us to that same attentiveness in our spiritual lives. Dangers do not always arrive loudly or suddenly. Busyness can slowly crowd out prayer, rest, and time with family. Familiarity can cause us to take others for granted and overlook their gifts and contributions. Distraction can keep us from noticing someone who needs encouragement, forgiveness, or a listening ear. If we are not watchful, these small habits can quietly pull us away from God and one another.
Keeping watch means making room to recognize God’s presence in ordinary moments. We can pause before reacting, listen carefully, express gratitude, and examine what receives most of our time and energy. We can ask whether our choices strengthen our relationships and reflect the love of Christ. Watchfulness is not fear; it is faithful readiness. Like sailors sharing responsibility for a ship, we support one another through prayer, honesty, and service. Lord, send your spirit to help us remain attentive to YOU and to the people around us, so we are better prepared to respond with compassion whenever YOU come to us in an unexpected person, need, or opportunity.
