Keep the lamps burning

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³⁵ Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; ³⁶ And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately. ³⁷ Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them. ³⁸ And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants. ³⁹ And this know, that if the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through. ⁴⁰ Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.

Reflect

Jesus describes servants who stay dressed and keep their lights burning for their master's return. The surprise is what he promises: the master 'shall gird himself' and serve those he finds watching.

Pray

Lord Jesus, keep me awake to your coming in ordinary days. Make me ready rather than anxious, and glad to be found watching. Amen.