Vigilance and Grace

Readings 102125 

We live in a time of loud headlines and rising fear.
Crime is up.
The blame spreads quickly—homelessness, illegal immigration, drugs, broken families, poor education.
But beneath all these symptoms lies a deeper wound: sin.

Not just the sins of criminals.
Not just the failures of leaders.
But our own sins too—
Our comfort in judgment.
Our silence when truth is needed.
Our habit of blaming instead of building.

That’s why Scripture calls us to wake up:
"Be vigilant at all times and pray
that you may have the strength to stand before the Son of Man."
(Luke 21:36)

This isn’t just about watching the world fall apart.
It’s about watching our own hearts.
It’s about being ready—ready to serve, ready to love, ready to be God’s light in a world that desperately needs Him.

Jesus tells us:
"Gird your loins and light your lamps.
Be like servants who await their master's return,
ready to open immediately when he comes and knocks."
(Luke 12:35–36)

Yes, it’s a frightening world.
But we are not called to fear.
We are called to grace.
To a hope that overflows in a sinful world.

"Where sin increased, grace overflowed all the more."
(Romans 5:20)

We are not helpless.
We are not abandoned.
Through the obedience of One—Jesus Christ—
we are offered righteousness, strength, and eternal life.

So today, as the noise grows louder,
let us grow quieter.
Let us pray.
Let us be vigilant—not with clenched fists,
but with open hands and lit lamps.

Blessed are those servants
whom the Master finds prepared.

Prayer of Vigilance and Grace

Lord Jesus,
In a world clouded by fear and blame,
help us see with Your eyes.
Forgive our silence, our judgment, our distraction.
Make us vigilant—ready to serve,
ready to love,
ready to open the door when You knock.

Let Your grace overflow in us,
lighting our lamps,
guiding our steps,
and preparing our hearts
to stand before You with joy.

Amen.