Be vigilant at all times and pray that you may have the strength to stand before the Son of Man. Luke 21:36
What strength do we need to stand before the Son of Man and where do we get it?
In the course of preparing this reflection, I came upon some wonderful food for thought on our preparation as disciples to “stand before the Son of Man.”
In today’s Gospel, Jesus has instructed us to “gird our loins and light our lamps.”
Girding our loins
In Biblical times, both men and women wore long, loose garments. When preparing to perform active labour or setting out on a journey, a belt became essential because it was used to cinch the garment at the waist, “to shorten and draw up their flowing robes” thereby allowing for easy movement and preventing a tripping hazard.
As labourers in the Lord’s vineyard, we, likewise, are called to put aside “all sin that hinders” including the dangers of ungodly attachments and cares of the world and to be always ready to put our hearts and hands to work – even at a moment’s notice. “Be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for your hope.” 1 Peter 3:15
From Ephesians 6, we also know that it is the “belt of truth” that holds our armour in place. What then are the truths of our Christian life? That all men are sinners; that Christ came down and died so that each one of us can merit by faith in Him to enter eternal fellowship with the Father; that Christ is both Savior and Lord, and thereby Venerable Master over our earthly life; and that we are sealed and supernaturally empowered by the gift of the Holy Spirit to live a life of grace, marked indelibly and eternally for His glory.
According to Cornelius a Lapide’s Commentary on this passage, mystically, we gird our loins when we restrain the luxury of the flesh by abstinence say St Gregory, and St. Augustine, St. Basil, St. Bede, and others. Chrysologus says, “He commands us to gird our loins by the belt of purity, and to bind our whole body in the zone of virtue, that we may go forth quickly and expeditiously to meet our Lord at His coming.”
How do we light our lamps?
Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path – Psalm 119:105
There are innumerable truths and promises in God’s words and commandments to us, and being firmly established in these truths is the only sure way to be transformed by the renewal of the mind and avoid being conformed to the world. It is this path which will give us “strength to stand before the Son of Man.” Jesus has instructed us several times to keep our lamps alight.
We have all read the parable of the wise and foolish virgins at the wedding banquet. The wise virgins had oil to spare but the foolish virgins ran out of oil before the Master’s return, went to purchase some, and got left out of the banquet altogether.
Various commentators have referred to perseverance in good works as the oil with which we keep our lamps alight.
In the parable, there is no mention of the first or fourth watch; because, the first was too early an hour for returning from a banquet; the fourth, too late. The usual hours for returning are mentioned. The example is meant to convey to us, that we may be called to an account at any period of life, and that whenever called, even should He delay His coming, we should be always found watching and ready, persevering in good works, without ceasing or intermission (as in Luke 21:34–36).
Prayer: Dear Lord, help us be always ready for Your coming, with loins girded and our lamps alight.
