STAY AWAKE
A Call to Spiritual Vigilance
The call to “Stay Awake” is a central theme in Christian teaching, rooted in Scripture and echoed throughout Church tradition. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus emphasizes the importance of spiritual vigilance and readiness for His return.
Jesus said in Matthew 24:42-44: “Therefore, stay awake! For you do not know on which day your Lord will come. Be sure of this: if the master of the house had known the hour of night when the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and not let his house be broken into. So too, you also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.” This passage underscores the unpredictability of Christ’s return and the need for constant spiritual preparedness.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church elaborates on this concept in paragraph 672: “Before his Ascension Christ affirmed that the hour had not yet come for the glorious establishment of the messianic kingdom awaited by Israel which, according to the prophets, was to bring all men the definitive order of justice, love and peace. According to the Lord, the present time is the time of the Spirit and of witness, but also a time still marked by ‘distress’ and the trial of evil which does not spare the Church and ushers in the struggles of the last days. It is a time of waiting and watching.”
The call to “Stay Awake” extends beyond mere physical alertness. It encompasses a state of spiritual readiness, characterized by:
1. Active Faith: Nurturing a living relationship with God through prayer, sacraments, and acts of charity.
2. Moral Vigilance: Guarding against sin and striving for holiness in daily life.
3. Discernment: Being attentive to the signs of the times and God’s presence in the world.
4. Perseverance: Remaining steadfast in faith, even in the face of trials and tribulations.
The Second Vatican Council’s Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, Lumen Gentium, reinforces this teaching in paragraph 48: “Since we know neither the day nor the hour, we should follow the advice of the Lord and watch constantly so that, when the single course of our earthly life is completed, we may merit to enter with him into the marriage feast and be numbered among the blessed.”
REFLECTION
As Christians, we are called to live in a state of joyful anticipation, not fear. Our spiritual wakefulness should be motivated by love for God and a desire to be united with Him. This attitude of vigilance also fosters a sense of responsibility towards our fellow human beings, as we are called to be witnesses of Christ’s love and messengers of His Gospel.
The message of “Stay Awake” reminds us that our earthly life is a pilgrimage towards our ultimate goal: union with God. It challenges us to live each day as if it were our last, not out of fear, but out of love and hope. As we navigate the complexities of modern life, let us heed this call to spiritual alertness, constantly renewing our commitment to Christ and His Church. May we always be ready to welcome Him, whether He comes to us at the end of our earthly lives or in His glorious return.
In our journey of faith, the call to “Stay Awake” is a profound reminder to live with purpose and devotion. It is an invitation to deepen our relationship with God, to be vigilant in our spiritual practices, and to remain steadfast in our moral convictions. As we go about our daily lives, let us be ever mindful of Christ’s presence, seeking to embody His love and mercy in all our actions. By staying spiritually awake, we not only prepare ourselves for His return but also become beacons of His light in a world that so desperately needs it. Let us encourage one another in this shared mission, finding strength in our faith community and in the sacraments that nourish our souls. Together, we can remain vigilant, hopeful, and ready to meet our Lord with joy and love.