19 September 2027 · Syro-Malankara Rite
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“Keep alert; for you do not know when the time will come.” Mark 13:33
The season of Sleebo teaches us to live awake. Jesus says: “From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near.” “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. But about that day or hour no one knows… Beware, keep alert; for you do not know when the time will come.” Christ will come again; we do not know when; therefore every day matters.
Jesus does not want fear but watchfulness. He gives the image of a man going on a journey who leaves his servants in charge, “each with his work”, and commands the doorkeeper to be on the watch. “Keep awake, for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or at dawn… And what I say to you I say to all: Keep awake.” To keep awake is to do faithfully the work he has given us.
In the evening Gospel the Pharisees ask when the kingdom will come. Jesus answers: “The kingdom of God is not coming with things that can be observed… the kingdom of God is among you.” It is already present in Christ. Yet he warns: as in the days of Noah, people ate and drank and married until the flood came. “Remember Lot's wife”, who looked back. “Those who try to make their life secure will lose it, but those who lose their life will keep it.”
St Peter tells the people that Jesus must remain in heaven “until the time of universal restoration that God announced long ago through his holy prophets.” St Paul says that the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God, and gives us to understand the gifts God has bestowed on us (1 Corinthians 2:10–12). Daniel proclaims: “his kingdom is an everlasting kingdom.” We wait, not anxiously, but with the Spirit's wisdom.
Theme: “Keep awake.”
In the season of Sleebo the Church looks toward the end of history and the coming of the Lord. Jesus says the kingdom is already among us, warns us not to look back like Lot's wife, and tells us to stay awake. Tomorrow we celebrate Reunion Day.
“How great are his signs, how mighty his wonders! His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his sovereignty is from generation to generation.” Daniel 4:3
“The kingdom of God is not coming with things that can be observed; nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or ‘There it is!’ For, in fact, the kingdom of God is among you.” Luke 17:20–21
Apply: Look for one sign of God's kingdom in your daily life and give thanks for it.
“But Lot's wife, behind him, looked back, and she became a pillar of salt.” Genesis 19:26
“Remember Lot's wife. Those who try to make their life secure will lose it, but those who lose their life will keep it.” Luke 17:32–33
Apply: Let go of one past grievance or habit that keeps you looking back.
“For thus says the high and lofty one who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with those who are contrite and humble in spirit.” Isaiah 57:15
“Beware, keep alert; for you do not know when the time will come.” Mark 13:33
Apply: End each day with a short examination of conscience.
The kingdom is near, the past is behind, the Lord is coming.
Let us keep awake and pray for the unity of the Church as we celebrate Reunion Day.
Take-home resolution: Pray tomorrow for the unity of all the St Thomas Christians.
Dear brothers and sisters, Jesus says: learn from the fig tree. When its branches become tender and leaves come out, you know summer is near. He speaks of his coming at the end of time, and says: “about that day or hour no one knows… Keep alert; for you do not know when the time will come.”
Why did the Lord hide the hour? St Ephrem answers: he hid the hour so that we might be watchful, each thinking it could come in his own lifetime. If we knew the date, we would postpone conversion until the last minute. Because we do not know, every day is precious.
But watchfulness is not fear and not idleness. Jesus compares himself to a man who goes on a journey and gives each servant his work. To keep awake is to do our work faithfully: the mother caring for her family, the student studying honestly, the worker doing a full day's work, the priest serving his people. That is how we wait for the Lord.
In the evening Gospel Jesus says: “Remember Lot's wife”, who looked back and was lost. Do not look back with longing at sin. Look forward to Christ. Tomorrow we remember the Reunion of 1930, when our fathers did not look back but went forward into communion. This week, each night, ask: if the Lord came tonight, would he find me ready? Maranatha, come Lord Jesus. Amen.
Children, Jesus promised he will come back one day. When? Nobody knows, only God the Father!
So we must always be ready, like children waiting for their dad to come home, keeping the house clean and being good.
Every night, ask yourself: “Was I kind today? Did I pray?” That's how we are ready for Jesus!
Lord Jesus, you will come again in glory, at an hour we do not know. Keep us awake and faithful, each in the work you have given us; let us not look back but forward; and fill us with your Spirit, so that when you come you may find us ready. Maranatha: come, Lord Jesus. Amen.