Tuesday of Week 29 in Ordinary Time
Rm 5:12,15,17-21
Lk 12:35-38
“See that you are dressed for action and have your lamps lit. Be like men waiting for their master to return from the wedding feast, ready to open the door as soon as he comes and knocks.”
I feel really torn today. The readings are so rich, and I find it hard to choose one to reflect on. That is why I’m going to reflect on both. The first reading is from St. Paul’s letter to the Romans. Allow me to quote this passage from the Scriptures:
“Sin entered the world through one man, and through sin death, and thus death has spread through the whole human race because everyone has sinned; but the gift itself considerably outweighed the fall. If it is certain that through one man’s fall so many died, it is even more certain that divine grace, coming through the one man, Jesus Christ, came to so many as an abundant free gift. If it is certain that death reigned over everyone as the consequence of one man’s fall, it is even more certain that one man, Jesus Christ, will cause everyone to reign in life who receives the free gift that he does not deserve, of being made righteous.”
I found this passage so incredibly encouraging and I shall try to convey the important points.
Sin and death came through one man, Adam. Since the fall of man, we all have sinned (concupiscence). But God’s gift — a gift of divine grace of His only Son, Jesus, who died on the cross in place of us — has redeemed us. This divine free gift, though we are undeserving, has afforded us eternal salvation and life. How awesome is that? Are you as excited and thankful about this most magnificent event as you should be? Because this is the best gift you can possibly receive! This gift is offered for all, Christians, and non-Christians alike. The catch is… there is no catch! You only have to accept this free gift!
When I reflected on the above passage, I was so excited. I could hardly contain myself, and I wish to share this joy with you, my brothers and sisters, and hope you share it with someone who is in need of hearing this good news.
After taking a deep breath, I can now move on to the Gospel reading for today, which is just as rich. Jesus is warning His disciples, and inadvertently us, to be vigilant. To be dressed, ready for action and have our lamps lit. So many metaphors, what does Jesus really mean? ‘To be dressed and ready for action’ is calling us to be constantly vigilant and aware. Aware of what? Aware that we are in constant spiritual warfare, dressed in the armour of God and be ready for battle. We must not slack off and become complacent in our spiritual life. We must remain strong and faithful. How? Prayer, Sacraments, life of service and love for God and neighbours. What does it all have to do with lighting a lamp? Christ is the light in our darkness. With the light of Christ, we can see more clearly, with more compassion and mercy. And in turn, the light we lit shall help others to see.
Brothers and sisters in Christ, I pray that all of us are ‘dressed, ready for action and have our lamps lit.’ Let’s encourage and pray for each other as we wait for our Lord.
(Today’s OXYGEN by Winnie Kung)
Prayer: My saving Lord, we are ever thankful for all that You have done for us. May we stay vigilant and watchful for Your return. May we be dressed, ready for action, and our lamps be lit awaiting Your return.
Thanksgiving: Heavenly Father, we thank you for Your infinite love and mercy. For giving us the gift of grace, which is Christ Jesus, to redeem us and grant us eternal salvation.
OXYGEN 
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