Jesus speaks to his disciples about being alert to the coming of the kingdom. We do not know the time and day the Lord comes, so there is a need for constant watchfulness. The appearance of the Son of Man at an unexpected hour and closely associated with the coming of the kingdom makes many individuals think of the end of the world or their own deaths.

Jesus continues to talk about the faithful servant and the unfaithful servant. Both types of servants are put in responsible positions by the owner of the house; they are to be in charge of the household during his absence. They could be compared to the ministers of the Church. The wise and faithful ministers feed the people properly, which pleases the owner when he shows up unannounced. The unfaithful servant maltreats others and feeds only himself and his minions. He is severely punished by the returning owner.

Today's first reading records St Paul and his companions' prayer for the faithful Thessalonians:

'May the Lord be generous in increasing your love and make you love one another and the whole human race as much as we love you. And may he so confirm your hearts in holiness that you may be blameless in the sight of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus Christ comes with all his saints.'