Tuesday of week 29 in Ordinary Time, Gospel: Luke 12:35-38
“Be dressed for action and have your lamps lit.” With these words, Jesus describes the essential spirit of discipleship: a heart always ready to act and a life always illuminated by His presence. Being dressed for action means that discipleship is not a passive condition but a constant readiness to respond to God’s will. A disciple cannot remain indefinitely in the comfort of good intentions, waiting for the perfect moment to love, serve, forgive, or fulfil a responsibility. The call of Christ requires availability, generosity, and the courage to act when the moment arrives. But Jesus adds something equally important: “Have your lamps lit.” Action alone is not enough. We can be extremely active and yet lose the light that gives meaning and direction to everything we do. The disciple needs both the readiness of the hands and the light of the heart. Our lamps remain lit through prayer, intimacy with Christ, attention to His Word, and the grace of the Holy Spirit. Without this interior light, our activity risks becoming mere busyness; without readiness for action, our spiritual life risks becoming an empty contemplation. Jesus then reveals something extraordinary: the master who finds his servants awake will himself put on an apron, make them sit at table, and wait on them. The Lord whom we are waiting to serve is already preparing to serve us with His infinite love. Discipleship is therefore not simply waiting for Christ to come, but living every moment in such a way that we are ready to welcome Him whenever and however He comes. He may come through an unexpected responsibility, a person who needs our attention, an opportunity to do good, or a moment that demands fidelity. The true disciple is neither distracted by inactivity nor exhausted by activity, but remains peacefully vigilant, with hands ready to serve and a heart burning with the light of Christ. Let’s reflect: Am I living with the spirit of a true disciple, always ready to act when Christ calls, while keeping the lamp of my heart burning through prayer, faith, and intimacy with Him?
Don Giorgio