"Happy those servants if he finds them ready". A strange statement, perhaps. Isn't it the job and duty of servants always to be ready to do their master's bidding? Sometimes a servant will also simply have to wait, either for the master's instructions or (like in the image Jesus used in today's gospel) to wait for the master's return. What should be particularly "blessed" about servants doing their jobs? Of course, waiting around can be boring, especially if you have no idea when the master will arrive, and there's always the temptation to sleep or do something else, and then be 'caught out' when the master arrives unexpectedly. Jesus was telling His disciples how much God cares for them and knows their needs and that even more will be given to them. He told them not to be anxious or worried. Then He said they should be "dressed for action, with lamps lit", ready and prepared like dutiful servants.

This is the message for us too - always to be ready and prepared for His arrival, in the ordinary moments of life as well as in His final coming. Elsewhere in the gospels Jesus makes a point of telling His disciples that He considers them as friends, not as servants. A friend does not have a 'duty' to be patient, to be prepared, and to wait. But a friend will do those things because of love and friendship, and then he will surely be 'happy' when his friend arrives and both will rejoice together. May we be ready and prepared in love, as friends are.