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Jesus said to his disciples: “Gird your loins and light your lamps
and be like servants who await their master’s return from a
wedding, ready to open immediately when he comes and knocks.”
Luke 12:35–36
What does it mean to “Gird your loins?” This phrase, which is not
commonly used today, literally means “tighten your belt.” It
traditionally refers to one who is wearing a long robe that makes
it difficult to move quickly and easily. Thus, to gird your loins
means that you tuck in the long robe and tighten your belt so that
you are prepared for some physical activity. It was also commonly
used to exhort those preparing for battle to get ready.
Symbolically, then, this phrase simply means to be ready for
something difficult or challenging. It means to be vigilant and
prepared. Spiritually speaking, Jesus is telling His disciples to
be ready for the spiritual battle that awaits them.
Jesus then tells His disciples to light their lamps. That phrase
could have a variety of meanings, such as “Do not remain in the
darkness of sin or ignorance” or “Let the light of charity shine
forth as you navigate through life” or “Allow the light of truth to
shine within your mind.” Hence, by the light of faith, they are to
be prepared and vigilant, ready to do all that the Lord sends them
to do.
Today’s Gospel ends by Jesus saying that the disciples will be
truly blessed if they remain vigilant even until the second or
third watch of the night. Some Church Fathers see this as a
reference to three periods in one’s life: childhood being the first
watch, middle age being the second, and old age being the third
watch.
With these meanings understood, one message we can take from this
Gospel is that Jesus is calling us to be vigilant in our faith at
every moment of our lives. For those who have lived many years, it
may be useful to look back at how faithful you have been throughout
every period of your life. God wants to use you in many ways during
childhood, through your middle age, and even in old age. The
journey of faith must never end. Instead, it must continually
deepen as you age. But this will only be possible if you “gird your
loins” and “light your lamps.” You must continually be vigilant,
continually attentive to the light of faith, and continually be
ready to act every time God inspires you to act.
Reflect, today, upon the lifelong journey of faith and service of
God to which you are called. Being a Christian is not simply
something you are born into. If you were born into the faith, then
ponder especially what you have done throughout your life to daily
deepen and strengthen that faith. Ponder whether or not you have
diligently responded to the countless inspirations of the Holy
Spirit to spread the light of faith to others. If you have been
truly faithful throughout your life, then give thanks to God and
recommit yourself to this fidelity for the rest of your life. If
you have lacked faith and vigilant attentiveness to the will of
God, then place that in the hands of God’s mercy and resolve from
this day forward to do all you can to respond to the will of God
the moment God calls.
My most merciful Lord, I thank You for the countless ways
throughout my life that You have spoken to me, calling me to
fulfill my mission of faith and love in this world. I commit to
You, this day, to always remain vigilant and attentive to You every
time You call. Use me, dear Lord, so that I may bring the light of
Your saving Gospel to a world in need. Jesus, I trust in You.
Image: Duccio di Buoninsegna, Public domain, via Wikimedia
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