Watch and prepare for Jesus’ return

Sunday of Vigil

Post-Pentecost Second Edition

Gospel Mark 13:33–37

Jesus says:

“Be on guard, be alert, for you do not know when the time will come. When a man travels abroad and leaves his house and gives each servant his work and responsibility, he commands the doorkeeper to watch. Watch therefore, for you do not know when the master of the house is coming, whether in the evening or at midnight, at the crowing of the rooster or at dawn. He will come unexpectedly - so be careful that he does not find you sleeping. What I say to you I say to all: Watch!” (Mark 13:33–37 Second Edition)

The Faith of the Early Christians

Jesus, our teacher and savior, urges each of us to watch and be ready for his return. Mark 13:33-37 contains a powerful message: “You do not know when the time will come.” This is not only an exhortation to believers, but also an important reminder that we must live responsibly and consciously according to God’s Word.

The second coming of Jesus is a central issue of faith. In the context of our faith, it is important to remember that Jesus “ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty, from where he will come.” This idea is a central part of our creed and reminds us that God’s plans are beyond human time or understanding.

The early Christians were deeply convinced that Jesus would return in their lifetime. This idea generated great enthusiasm and anticipation, but unfortunately also disappointment when Jesus did not arrive then. Throughout history, there have been numerous attempts to predict the time of Christ’s return. People have tried to assess the signs of the times and make calculations, but none of them have been correct. This raises the question of why it is so difficult to understand the time when Jesus will return.

Signs of the Times with Caution

When we consider the signs of the times, it is important to approach them with caution. A Christian should understand that even if the signs seem to be there, it is dangerous to jump to conclusions that are too certain. Often, the beliefs of different generations about the coming return have led to confusion and erroneous predictions. Therefore, every Christian should remain focused on God’s Word and live by it.

It is also true that our society and the world around us seem to be constantly facing new challenges. Crises seem to pile up and worsen over time. This is simply because human evil is finding increasingly effective means at its disposal. Development does not automatically lead to peace and prosperity; on the contrary, it can lead to new, unpredictable crises.

When we are aware of this, we can understand why many believe that the signs of Jesus’ return will be fulfilled during this generation. However, before we draw conclusions, we must remember God's timetable, which does not always correspond to our own thinking.

The Church Year

In many ways, the Church Year is a meaningful reminder of the different stages of Jesus’ life and words. During the Church Year, different periods, such as Advent, Christmas, and Easter, make us reflect on our own faith and relationship with Jesus. This time of year can inspire us to remember that nothing will continue to be the same forever. Our lives are finite and we have our own mission that awaits us. We are like the servants in the Gospel parable who have been entrusted with their own mission in time. It is not just about Jesus’ return, but also about how we live and act when His return comes. He can call us to account at any time, and therefore it is essential to be alert and ready to go.

Watchfulness through faith

Watchfulness means an active life of faith in which we do not neglect God’s word. It also means staying close to one another and praying together so that we can support one another and grow in our faith. So we should consider how we can prepare for Jesus’ return and live our daily lives as if it were our last day. Jesus’ return is not just an event; it is also a promise surrounding him. Religious scriptures assure us that Jesus will return “with power and great glory.” This is not just a threat, but also great good news. We have the opportunity to live out the promise Jesus gave, and this will keep us awake and alert.

Spiritual Awakening

Today we are seeing more and more spiritual awakenings around the world. Many people are searching for deeper meaning in their lives and asking what it means for Jesus to return. This awakening can be the first step that leads people to faith and helps them find a connection with God. Why is this important? Because the kingdom of God is that we can live out God’s plan on earth before Jesus returns. We must not forget our own part in this bigger picture. Preparing for Jesus’ return is living every day. It is not just a once-a-year event, but an ongoing process. This process includes prayer, Bible reading, and sharing with other believers. When we are ready and alert, we can live lives that reflect the love and grace of Jesus.

Summary

This entire discussion about the return of Jesus also brings out a message of hope. Christian faith is filled with hope, and this hope encourages us to move forward. Even though we do not know exactly when the Lord will return, we can trust that his timing is perfect and his plans are always good.

The thoughts about the return of Jesus as described in the Gospel of Mark offer us profound perspectives on faith and life. It is important for us to be vigilant, ready, and to live actively in our faith. Our faith in Jesus and his return brings with it responsibility, but also hope and joy.

The finiteness of life forces us to reflect on our own mission and how we live each day. The return of Jesus is such a huge topic that many emotions and thoughts are intertwined around it. Watch, therefore, and be ready, for we do not know when the "master of the house" will come.

This is a call to all of us - a time to examine our own faith, to live our lives according to God's will, and to be alert for his coming.