TUESDAY, December 15

Okay, that settles that--we just don't know. We won't know until it happens. There's no point trying to figure out when Jesus will return, because even he doesn't know. He will return when he returns.

Rather than focus on the date and time of the Second Coming, let's make sure we're ready for it. That means, first of all, to acknowledge there will be a Second Coming. While that teaching is enshrined in the heart of the Christian creeds, most Episcopalians don't seem to pay much heed to it (when did you last hear a sermon on the Second Coming?). But if the Son of God came to earth once--and that surely is the very least a Christian believes--then he can come again. And if he said he would come again, then he will, because he keeps his word.

So be ready. If you're not ready now, then get ready. How do you do that? Read Matthew 25:14-30 (it's the reading for Friday of this week, but read it now). Jesus says two different things there to two different groups of disciples. Which thing would you like him to say to you?

PRAY for the Diocese of Windward Islands (West Indies)