11/30/2025 (Sunday) Today’s Gospel reading: Matthew 24:37-44

37 Jesus said to his disciples: “And as in the days of Noah, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
38 For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, even till that day in which Noah entered into the ark,
39 And they knew not till the flood came, and took them all away; so also shall the coming of the Son of man be.
40 Then two shall be in the field: one shall be taken, and one shall be left.
41 Two women shall be grinding at the mill: one shall be taken, and one shall be left.
42 Watch ye, therefore, because ye know not what hour your Lord will come.
43 But know this ye, that if the goodman of the house knew at what hour the thief would come, he would certainly watch, and would not suffer his house to be broken open.
44 Therefore, you also be ready, because at what hour you know not the Son of man will come.”

11/30/2025 (Sunday) Today’s Gospel reflection / homily / sermon: Matthew 24:37-44

The Gospel reading above paints a powerful picture of readiness, urging us to live with a sense of spiritual alertness and purpose. Jesus compares the coming of the Son of Man to the days of Noah, when people were so absorbed in the ordinary routines of life, eating, drinking, marrying, and working, that they failed to recognize the urgency of the moment. Life seemed normal and predictable until the day the flood came, and only then did they understand how unprepared they had been.

This message resonates strongly with our modern world. Today, many people are caught in a whirlwind of daily responsibilities and distractions. We pursue careers, relationships, achievements, entertainment, and personal dreams—and these are not bad in themselves. But the danger lies in forgetting what matters most: our relationship with God and our mission as His people. When we lose sight of spiritual priorities, we risk becoming like those in Noah’s time, busy, successful, active, but unprepared.

Jesus calls us to a different way of living: to be watchful, attentive, and ready. Readiness does not mean living in fear or anxiety, constantly waiting for a dramatic event. Rather, it means living every day with faithfulness, integrity, and devotion. It means choosing to follow Christ even when the world offers easier paths. It means making room for prayer in a crowded calendar, for kindness in a competitive world, for compassion in a culture that often rewards only personal gain.

Being ready also means understanding that life is fragile and time is not guaranteed. Many people make plans as if life will always go on unchanged. They say, tomorrow we will pray, next week we will serve, next year we will follow God more closely. But the Gospel reminds us that tomorrow is never promised. The opportunities to love, forgive, reconcile, worship, and obey are found in the present moment.

One of the most striking points in this passage is that when Christ returns, some will be taken and some left, not because of status, intelligence, or achievements, but because of spiritual readiness. This is a reminder that our faith is personal. While communities strengthen us and churches guide us, each one must respond to God individually. No one can be ready on our behalf. Our preparedness is shown in the daily choices we make including how we treat others, how we worship, how we handle temptations, and how we trust God.

Readiness also brings peace. When we walk with God consistently, we do not need to fear the future. Whether Christ comes in glory or we meet Him at the end of our earthly journey, we can face that moment with confidence, knowing that we lived in faith and obedience.

Therefore, Jesus invites us not to panic, but to focus. Not to hide, but to live wisely. Not to withdraw from the world, but to enter it as faithful disciples, awake, hopeful, and committed. Let every decision, every act of love, every prayer, and every step reflect a heart prepared to meet the Lord at any moment.

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