Vigilant always

WE need to be vigilant always, in good times and in bad

times, and most especially in ordinary times which we still would not

know whether it is good or bad. We should never let our guard down.

  

            This is simply because we have enemies to contend with all

the times. First of all, it is our own selves, our own weakened flesh

that will always lure us to do things against God’s will and against

what is truly good for us.

  

            Then we have the world with all its sinful attractions and

temptations. And, of course, the devil himself. Never discount him.

He’s always around, prowling like a lion looking for someone to

devour. (cfr 1 Pt 5,8)

  

            In what may seem to be good times, when things are more or

less ok, let us thank God and do our best to make use of all the

blessings and good opportunities made available for us.

  

            But let’s not forget that the good things can also

occasion dangers for us if we are not careful. We should know where

those dangers lie in the good things that we may enjoy at the moment.

In that way, we avoid falling into complacency that will practically

spoil us, and take away the goodness of the blessings we are enjoying.

  

            And in what may seem to be bad times, let us never forget

to look for the one good thing in those situations. There will always

be one or two or even more good things on these occasions and turn

them into the vehicles for redemption.

  

            This can happen if we turn to God in the first place. He

will always forgive us and know what to do with whatever mess we are

making or we may be in. In that way, we avoid falling into sadness and

bitterness, and can remain calm and hopeful in spite of the suffering

and pain we may be undergoing at the moment.

  

            Of course, in the ordinary days when we have the usual run

of things, being vigilant is a matter of keeping our love for God and

others burn more and more. Without this impulse, we will surely spend

those days badly. This will always involve demanding on ourselves more

and more.

  

            We can always find new reasons to fan the flame of our

love all throughout the day. The love of God for us shown in sending

his son to save us, our personal needs and the needs of the others,

the pursuit of the common good of our society, etc. are just a few

samples of the reasons that can drive us to a loving that is proper to

us.

  

            We just have to be vigilant always. That is why the Bible

is full of reminders about this need. “Be watchful,” St. Paul says,

for example, “stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let

all that you do be done in love.” (1 Cor 16,13) St. Paul practically

has given us a good program of how it is to be watchful always.

   

            We are familiar with Christ’s admonitions. “You also must

be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.,”

he said. (Mt 24,44) In another instance, he said, “Watch and pray so

that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the

flesh is weak.” (Mt 26,41)

  

            Let’s learn the appropriate skills and art of being

watchful both in good times and bad times and also in ordinary times

when things appear to be neutral yet. Let’s sharpen our skill in

examining our conscience, in reading the signs of the times, in

assessing the different circumstances of the day, etc.