Are You Awake?

Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Last week in this corner I asked the very important question: “Are you ready?” In the same spirit, and in light of this week’s Gospel, I would like to ask you: “Are you awake?” The Gospel reminds us today that we are all going to meet our Heavenly King in one way or another. Many of us live our lives in fear of this meeting. We find ourselves terrified of death but what we are actually afraid of is this meeting. On the other hand, often we live our lives as if we are ready to meet him. We don’t pay much attention to this fact because we are so arrogant in the way we live, that our pride and arrogance overcomes us and takes over. Unfortunately, when the time comes closer and the clock strikes, the last moments of anticipation reveal the truth. How do we find ourselves at this moment? Are we willing and ready to meet him or are we lacking the signs of readiness to greet him – a greeting that shows our love for him. Do we try to borrow the signs of greeting from others in the same way that the bridesmaids did or do we possess this beautiful moment in which we greet the bridegroom and enter with him into the wedding? Are we always ready for this moment in our lives or are we carrying the burdens of these times and its problems?

Jesus tells us about the importance of this meeting; “keep awake therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.” He also tells us that “he who waits to the end is saved.” Yes my brothers and sisters, let us prepare ourselves and be ready for this beautiful moment. Not because we are afraid or because we are over-confident, but because we are anxious to meet him. We have the opportunity to be the guest of honour at a great wedding banquet, only if we stay awake and are ready to join the community of guests with our lamps shining from our actions. This is our journey with Jesus Christ, the Bridegroom who comes to us carrying with him the joy of the heavenly banquet of his Father’s Kingdom.

I must say that I am very pleased to be back in Australia after a few weeks away with my family in Lebanon. I see that our parish is as lively as ever! This past week our parish hosted the clergy meeting for two days, where Our Bishop and clergy from all over Australia met to discuss important pastoral and liturgical issues. Our Teens celebrated Mass together on Wednesday with Father Raphael and attended an important talk on Mental Health led by Rony Kayrouz. Our Seniors celebrated Mass on Thursday with Father Bernard (we welcome him back also) and the Seniors Committee who had prepared lunch and activities. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Father Youwakim and all the priests at Our Lady of Lebanon for the great work that they do and continue to do, especially during my absence. I would also like to thank all the committees and volunteers for their wonderful work. Your love and dedication to your parish is truly are sign that you are awake and ready!

Father Tony Sarkis