Table service. Scripture, reflection and prayer - 28 Oct

Luke 12:35-40

"Be dressed for action and have your lamps lit; be like those who are waiting for their master to return from the wedding banquet, so that they may open the door for him as soon as he comes and knocks. Blessed are those slaves whom the master finds alert when he comes; truly I tell you, he will fasten his belt and have them sit down to eat, and he will come and serve them.  If he comes during the middle of the night, or near dawn, and finds them so, blessed are those slaves.
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"But know this: if the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour.”

Reflection. During a pastoral visit the subject of Jesus's return came up.  Is Jesus ever coming back.  Well, yes, most certainly. We just don't know when. We ought to live in the present hope of a return visit happening imminently. 'Soon, and very soon, we are going to see the King,' as a song goes...
I wonder whether you noticed that the parable has an outstanding, extraordinary image. Not the ones about thieves in the night, nor about lighting lamps. No, how about the image of the Returning Master serving the slaves at the table.  That should really touch us and remind us again that Jesus came to serve and not be served. He is our role model for living with others. Oh, and yes, we place ourselves at his service and under his command.
Are we waiting expectantly?
Prayer. Lord Jesus, we look for your return. We dress ourselves for action. Amen.
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