living on the edge
"Be on guard, therefore. The Son of Man will come when you least expect Him." —Luke 12:40
We should live each day as if it were our last and as if it were the last day for the world. Today and each day should be "dress rehearsals" for the second coming of Christ.
We have reason to believe that we will be ready for Christ's second coming if today we are managing with faith and wisdom all the resources, time, charisms, talents, and opportunities the Lord has given us (see Lk 12:42). If we are spending today feeding people physically and spiritually (Lk 12:42), we are getting ready for Christ's coming. If we are no longer living for ourselves (2 Cor 5:15) but see ourselves as Christ's slaves (Lk 12:43 in the Greek), we are ready to cry out "Maranatha!" until Jesus comes again.
However, if we spend some of this day hurting others in our anger, bitterness, or unforgiveness (Lk 12:45), we are not ready for Christ's coming, or our own death, or this day. Also, if we live this day to maximize our pleasures (see Lk 12:45), we are not ready to live forever or even for today.
If we are ready for Christ's second coming, we are ready for anything, even for today. Live on the edge — the edge of this world and this life.
Prayer: Father, help me hasten the time of Christ's return (2 Pt 3:12).
Promise: "When much has been given a man, much will be required of him. More will be asked of a man to whom more has been entrusted." —Lk 12:48
Praise: St. John encouraged being a light that "diffuses its rays and shines all around upon everything that comes into its view." He echoed to people the words of Jesus: "You are the light of the world" (Mt 5:14).
Reference: (For a related teaching, order our tape Judgment Day on audio AV 75-3 or video V-75.)
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Richard L. Klug, April 10, 2002
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, April 18, 2002