It is 27th August 2015. We celebrate the memorial of St. Monica. The readings are from 1 Thess.3:7-13 and the Gospel from Mt. 24:42-51. The first reading describes how St. Paul wished to return to Thessalonica. St. Paul encouraged the communities to grow in times of persecution and difficulties. Our love for one another need to grow just because we believe in an ever loving God. “May the Lord be generous in increasing your love and overflow for each other and for all just as we abound in love for you.” (1 Thess.3:12). Love has to overflow and it must not stop just being courteous rather to express it actively and persistently. We need to ask God to refill our hearts with God’s love and find opportunities to express our love for all. The Responsorial Psalm too prays, “Fill us with your love that we may rejoice.” (Ps.89:14). The Gospel speaks of readiness for the second coming of Christ. No time to bargain with God or to repent. The Second coming of Jesus is sudden and swift. We will be judged according the choices we have already made. Let us be spiritually alert and attentive to the signs of the times as it unfolds. We prepare ourselves and be ready at all times to meet the Lord. It is the waiting and an eager expectation to encounter the Judge and Saviour our Lord Jesus. This waiting time is to do good works out of love for Christ not to engage ourselves in seeking pleasures. “Therefore, you too must stand ready because the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” (Mt. 24:44). May God be with you until you see Jesus in glory.