In this Sunday’s Gospel (Luke 12:32–48), Jesus tells His disciples, “Be ready, for the Son of Man will come at an hour you do not expect.” He compares this attentiveness to servants awaiting their master’s return from a wedding, urging them to stay vigilant.
We’ve all heard the hypothetical: “If you knew that you had 24 hours left to live, what would you do?” The answers usually involve bucket-list traveling, spending time with loved ones, or mending broken relationships. (You probably won’t hear someone respond with “Go to work” or “Watch Netflix!”) And while some people who are near death choose to reconcile with God through prayer, forgiveness, or even baptism, the truth is: We don’t get a heads-up. As Scripture reminds us, we don’t know the day or the hour.
That means there’s no time for last-minute scrambling. Being ready isn’t just about the end of time; it’s about how we live every day. A life of readiness is a life marked by prayer, purpose, kindness, and integrity.
I start most mornings around 6 AM with a workout on Apple Fitness+. It’s early and not always easy, but it’s part of my rhythm, and I’m always much more prepared to hit the day afterward. I don’t wait to feel out of shape before I act. One of the trainers, Jamie‑Ray, often says, “Stay ready so you don’t have to get ready.” That line has always stuck with me—not just because it sounds cool but because it reflects a principle I’ve built into my life.
Faith is the same way. Praying, being kind, and living intentionally shouldn’t wait until the eleventh hour; these things should be part of our daily rhythms.
Living “ready” means staying connected to God in the ordinary, everyday moments—not just when things fall apart. So, instead of wondering what you would do with only one day left, maybe a better question to ask yourself is: What can I start doing today to stay ready in mind, body, and spirit?
