This weekend’s passage from the Holy Gospel gives us a reminder to watch and be prepared for the coming of the Lord…the second coming. The central theme of all three of today’s readings is Jesus’ warning to us to be alert, watchful and prepared because Christ’s Second Coming, coinciding with the end of the world, could occur at any time. I think we all in general have a paranoid fear about the end of the world. History books tell us that groups of people expected it to happen at different times…in A.D. 204, 999 and 2000. The title of a best-seller published in 1988 was 101 Reasons Why Christ Returns in 1988. Ten years after Paul’s death, Mark reminded his community in Rome of Jesus’ words, “Be constantly on the watch! Stay awake! You do not know when the appointed time will come.” The Gospel writer knew that if an expected event didn’t happen as quickly as expected, people would stop doing the things they ought to do! Hence, Mark reminded them of Jesus’ parable about the gate-keeper in the house of a traveling master. Since the master was traveling, his servant must be constantly alert, “at dusk, atmidnight, when the cock crows, or at early dawn.” There was always a fear that the master would come home “suddenly and catch you asleep.” In such situations one must constantly be on guard. When Paul and Mark spoke about the things to come, it was only to remind their readers that their present behavior wasn’t measuring up to what Christ’s second coming demanded. But Jesus, in today’s Gospel, gives us the assurance that we need not be afraid of the end of the world, Christ’s Second Coming and the Last Judgment IF we remain alert and prepared…if we live each day the best we can. Today’s scripture encourages us to live in the living presence of Jesus every day, waiting for his Second Coming. We experience Christ’s living presence in the Holy Eucharist, in our worshiping community at our parish, in our family, in our hearts, and in every one around us. The early Christians experienced it and that is why they welcomed other Christians not by saying “Hi!” or “Good Morning!” but by acknowledging the presence of Jesus in them, respectfully addressing them, “Maran Atha” in Aramaic, meaning “Our Lord has come” or “Come Our Lord.” I like that! Some years ago a tourist visited the Castle Villa Asconti on the shores of Lake Como in northern Italy. Only the old gardener opened the gates, and the visitor stepped into the garden, which was perfectly kept. The visitor asked when the owner was last there. He was told, "Twelve years ago." Did he ever write? No. Where did he get instructions? From his agent in Milan. Does the master ever come? No. "But, you keep the grounds as though your master were coming back tomorrow." The old gardener quickly replied, "Today, sir, today." A Christian watches and works as though the Master would return this very day. GOSPEL QUESTION OF THE WEEK: Are you ready to meet the Lord?