Scripture Reading
13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.
Devotional Reflection
As we move closer to the final days of Great Lent, the tone begins to shift.
• The invitation is still there.
• The mercy is still there.
But now, there’s also a sense of urgency.
Not fear.
But awareness.
Because it’s possible to begin well… and slowly drift.
To grow attentive… and then become distracted again.
And today, Christ gives us a simple command:
Stay awake.
This verse comes at the end of the parable of the wise and foolish virgins.
Some were ready.
Some were not.
The difference wasn’t intention.
It was attentiveness.
They all expected the bridegroom.
But only some remained prepared.
Spiritual sleep doesn’t happen all at once.
It’s subtle.
• We stop paying attention.
• We let small things slide.
We drift just enough… and we don’t notice.
Especially this close to the end of Lent, it’s easy to relax.
To assume we’ve done enough.
But Christ calls us to remain watchful.
Today, stay attentive.
Notice your thoughts.
Your reactions.
Your habits.
Return quickly when you drift.
Even a small moment of awareness… can bring you back.
Stay present.
Stay ready.
Closing Prayer
Lord,
You call me to remain awake, but so often I grow distracted and unaware.
I begin with good intentions, but I lose focus along the way.
Help me to stay attentive to Your presence.
Guard my heart from drifting.
Give me clarity to see where I have become careless or complacent.
When I begin to grow spiritually drowsy, wake me gently.
Draw me back before I wander too far.
Teach me to live with awareness—
not in fear, but in readiness.
Let my heart remain watchful,
my mind steady,
and my spirit anchored in You.
And as I walk through these final days of Lent,
help me to stay faithful, present, and prepared.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,
Amen.