Arulvakku

19.10.10 REVERSE OF ROLES

 "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. 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. And should he come in the second or third watch and find them prepared in this way, blessed are those servants. (Lk 12:35-38)

 

 

Master has gone for a wedding party. When the party will end? No one knows. It could be at the end of the second watch (mid-night) or at the third watch (very early in the morning). Yes party can go on endlessly. Master’s concern is to be in the party and return when it ends only. He does not have to be concerned about the servants. Servants are no way in the reference for the coming back of the master.

 

Servants at home are awaiting the return of the master. Their main concern and only concern is to wait for the master. Servants should be only ready to receive him. (Not that they can wake up from their sleep and receive him when he returns). They should be dressed up as if he was coming soon and they should be with lamps as if his coming could be in the night (late). They should be ready as though it is ‘now’ and ‘not yet’.

 

The servants who are vigilant are blessed. Their reward is immediate. Strangely though, the roles are reversed. The mater waits on them and servants are made to sit and enjoy the meal (the master has had his party). Being vigilant is not only the duty done but also it brings with it the reward.