As usual, at the beginning of a new Church year, we are reminded at the beginning of our journey where we are headed for. The description of the end of the world here is not to be taken literally and, presumably, we won't be around to witness it. That is because our own personal time to leave this world will come much sooner. Today we are encouraged to get ready. We do that by 'staying awake', that is, by being constantly aware of God working in our lives and recognising and responding to him in every person and every experience. By concentrating on how we live each day and every hour of every day, the future will take care of itself. If I am ready now, I will be ready then.