Be prepared! Being prepared for the return of Christ is the major theme of the sacred texts for the next two weeks. The readings take us to the last line of the Creed, which we profess on Sundays and Holy Days: “I look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come.”
If we profess the Apostles’ Creed, the same belief is expressed in these words: “He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty; from there he will come to judge the living and the dead.” The same belief is professed in the acclamation of faith at every Mass: “until you come again.”
As we approach the end of the liturgical year, the themes of Christ’s return are highlighted. Given that Christ will return, how should we live our lives? We prepare for the return of Christ by practicing the faith we profess.
In the first reading from the Book of Wisdom, Wisdom is presented as a woman. Those who seek her and find her live wisely, knowing that they are mere humans in the presence of God. In the Gospel, the wise virgins were prepared for the arrival of the bridegroom, whenever he arrived.
Hope in the Resurrection
In the second reading, St. Paul’s First Letter to the Thessalonians speaks to us about those who have died and gone before us, marked with the sign of faith. Paul instructs the Christians that, while they may be saddened by the death of a loved one, they must have hope that their loved one’s life is changed, not ended. Paul reminds the Thessalonians that they must base their hope on their belief in the Resurrection of Christ, which is the foundational belief of all Christianity.
So, where do these readings leave us? As we get older and the days grow shorter, we are reminded that we are not going to be here forever. How does one prepare to meet the Lord at a time we least expect?
Preparing by Living Our Faith
We prepare to meet Christ—whether at the end of time, at our own death, or in moments of our daily lives—by striving to live the faith we profess. Seeking reconciliation with God, others, and even ourselves is one of the important ways to prepare for the coming of the Lord.
Our prayer life, our liturgical life, and our sacramental life must lead us to deeper, more caring relationships with others. Being people of love—that is, willing the good of others—and being people of compassion and justice certainly help prepare us to meet the Prince of Peace.
Recognizing Christ in Daily Life
Keep in mind that the Lord also comes to us daily. Christ comes to us in the people we serve, in the opportunities and crises that present themselves to us, and in prayerful introspection into our own lives.
To recognize these moments of grace, we need to be prepared to meet the Lord in the surprise of the moment by seeking to be recollected, focused, and awake to the movements of our spirit.
Msgr. Guy A. Massie
November 8, 2026
Sunday Readings
