Apocalypse 22:1-7 / Luke 21:34-36
The price of security and safety is none other than constant vigilance and alertness.
More so in a time of warfare and national security, every possible defence must be on alert and on the watch for anything suspicious.
Yet, to be careful about every minute thing, can be quite taxing on resources and energy and, fatigue will set in and we will be tempted to drop our guard when things seem quiet and peaceful.
The 1st reading was written in a time of persecution and tribulations, and hence the spiritual state of the Christian community was sharp and and the faith was on high alert.
The Christians were also assured that in the end God will defeat the evil surrounding them and rescue and save them and the glory of God will be upon them.
Yet when the persecutions are removed and the tribulations quelled, the sense of danger will also be lessened and subsequently the vigilance and alertness will also be dropped.
We live in an environment which is relatively safe and peaceful and we don't face and hostilities towards our faith.
Yet we must heed what Jesus said in the gospel - Watch yourselves, or your hearts will be coarsened with debauchery and drunkenness and the cares of this life.
Yes, it is in times like these that we become slack and become focused on worldly things and look for the pleasures of life.
Let us be calm but vigilant and alert to the signs of spiritual erosion and decay. Let us be faithful in prayer and may Lord help us to face every trial with confidence.