The night awakens different responses and reactions according to one’s temperament or lifestyle. For some, coming home after work, night time is a relaxing time and/or time with the family. For others it is a time of fear, living with an abusive partner or worrying about ‘breaks ins’ in the street. For some night is long and protracted especially when they are sick and can’t sleep or have PTSD. For others it can be a time for meetings, reflection & prayer - a time of entrusting one-self to God in silence. The night can be feared, desired and mysterious.

Stay Awake with lit Lamps!

When we read Luke, 12:32-48 we recognise that Jesus is telling us a parable about servant and/or slaves. We read ‘Be dressed for action, have your lamps lit, and be like those who are waiting for their Master to return from the Wedding Banquet, so that they may open the door for him as soon as he comes and knocks.’

‘These servants/slaves waiting had little agency. They were someone’s property, which means they were disposable – almost a commodity, benefiting the one who owned them.’ [Pastor Christine Redwood ‘In Her Voice’ 2023, page 87]

Yet Jesus calls those who want to be his disciples, to identify with the servant/slave. ‘Ready for service, lamps burning as you wait for the Master to return’ [v. 35]. Jesus is teaching the crowds. He is teaching who God is and what it means to be a disciple. The Master is coming but he is not what you are expecting. When he comes he is going to dress like a servant/slave. He is going to identify with the servant/slave. He will invite these to dine with him. The roles will be reversed so be ready!

The 2nd parable speaks about living in the world now. Jesus is suggesting we will be held to account for the way we live. If we know everyone is welcomed to his table, that people are not disposable or objects to be used. If we know that God comes to serve us shouldn’t that change how we live now?

We must watch alertly and without fear in the hope of the Master, this God ‘in the apron’, who will invite himself to our table and wait on us.

Marie Weatherall