LUKE 12:35–38
BE READY FOR THE MASTER’S RETURN
Text – Luke 12:35–38
35 “Gird your loins and light your lamps
36 and be like servants who await their master’s return from a wedding, ready to open immediately when he comes and knocks.
37 Blessed are those servants whom the master finds vigilant on his arrival. Amen, I say to you, he will gird himself, have them recline at table, and proceed to wait on them.
38 And should he come in the second or third watch and find them prepared in this way, blessed are those servants.”
Historical and Jewish Context
“Gird your loins” was a common expression in the ancient Near East referring to tucking long garments into a belt to allow readiness for action. Lamps were kept burning at night to welcome guests or returning family members. Servants awaiting a master returning from a wedding feast would not know the exact hour of his arrival, especially given the unpredictability of ancient celebrations. The “second or third watch” refers to late-night hours (roughly 9 p.m. to 3 a.m.), emphasizing unexpected timing. Jesus reverses cultural expectations when He says the master will serve the servants—an image both shocking and deeply consoling to His listeners.
Catholic Theological Perspective
Jesus teaches about vigilance in the Christian life, especially in preparation for His final coming and for the many moments when He visits the soul through grace. The imagery reflects the Church’s eschatological hope: Christ, the true Master, will return in glory. The astonishing promise that He will “gird Himself” and serve His faithful servants anticipates the Last Supper (Jn 13:4–5) and expresses His self-giving love. Catholic theology understands vigilance not as fear but as loving readiness—living each day in communion with God, practicing charity, and keeping the lamp of faith burning. Blessedness comes from fidelity, attentiveness, and joyful expectation of Christ’s return.
Parallels in Scripture
Ex 12:11 – Israel instructed to keep their loins girt for the Passover.
Jn 13:4–15 – Jesus girds Himself and washes the disciples’ feet.
Mt 25:1–13 – Parable of the wise and foolish virgins with their lamps.
1 Thes 5:4–6 – Live as children of the light, staying awake and alert.
Rev 19:7–9 – The wedding feast of the Lamb.
Key Terms
Gird your loins – Be spiritually ready and active.
Lamps lit – Faith alive through prayer, virtue, and good works.
Master’s return – Christ’s coming in judgment and in daily grace.
Blessed – Favored by God for faithful readiness.
Catholic Liturgical Significance
This Gospel appears in weekday Masses and is emphasized during Advent, the season of waiting with joyful expectation. It shapes the Church’s teaching on vigilance, the Last Judgment, and the posture of readiness required of every disciple. It also influences devotions such as night prayer, where believers entrust themselves to God while awaiting the Lord’s coming.
Conclusion
Jesus calls His disciples to live in readiness, like faithful servants awaiting their master. Their reward is astonishing: the Master Himself will serve them. Vigilance grounded in love prepares the heart for Christ’s continual presence and ultimate return.
Reflection
Am I spiritually awake? Do I keep the lamp of faith burning through prayer, charity, and daily fidelity? Jesus invites me to live each day in joyful expectation of His presence.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, keep my heart vigilant and my faith burning brightly. Help me live each day ready to welcome You with love. Strengthen me to serve You faithfully so that, at Your coming, I may share in the blessedness You promise. Amen.