Luke 12:32-48

1. The opening verses of this gospel reading invite us to ask ourselves what we see as our purpose in life. What are our priorities? Is our heart set on material progress and advance, or do we have other priorities? What has helped you to appreciate that there is more to your life than earthly possessions and success?

2. At times one can sense in Jesus an urgency, as if he wanted to shake people and wake them up to take his words seriously. The parable has that tone: ‘Be dressed for action and have your lamps lit.' When have you found that being alert enabled you to grasp a moment of opportunity that you might easily have missed? Perhaps when a child or friend gave a hint that they would like to talk, and a very meaningful conversation ensued?

3. Another consideration that adds to the sense of urgency in the words of Jesus is that we only have one life, and we do not know how long it will last. So Jesus calls us on us to live in the now and to treasure our time. Sometimes we drift aimlessly through a day, and on other occasions use a day purposefully. What difference does that make, if any, to how you experience the day?