Second Palm Sunday

“Keep awake therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming”
(Matthew 24:42)

Today we live in a time when the world is filled with anxiety, haste, wars, fears, and uncertainty. People plan their future and think about tomorrow, yet they often forget the most important thing—the preparation of their souls. Jesus Christ does not tell us to live in fear, but says, “Stay awake.” This is a call to spiritual vigilance. To stay awake means not allowing our souls to fall asleep in sin, indifference, and worldly noise, and it means living in such a way that every day may become a true encounter with the Lord.

Today many people appear successful outwardly, yet inwardly they are tired and empty. Many have information, but no peace. Many constantly hear the voices of the world, but do not find time to hear the voice of God. And it is in this reality that the Lord reminds us that the most important preparation is not outward, but inward preparation.

To be prepared for the coming of the Lord means to have a pure heart. It means learning to forgive, to love, to help, to pray, and not to lose faith even in difficulties. To be ready means to live in such a way that our hearts remain constantly open before the presence of God.

The Lord may come into our lives in moments of joy or in times of trial, in silence or during prayer. Blessed is the person whose heart is ready to receive Him, because where the heart is filled with love and faith, there the peace of God dwells.

The life of a Christian is a journey of waiting, but not a waiting of fear. We await our Lord with love, just as a child waits for his father. And this expectation must be reflected in our daily lives—in our words, our attitudes, and our deeds. Therefore, may the Lord’s words always resound in our souls, awakening us from spiritual sleep, and may we live in such a way that every day we may say with pure hearts and enlightened souls: “Come, Lord Jesus.”

Deacon MIKAYEL MARGARYAN