Have you ever been to a live theater performance? Weeks and weeks of planning and preparation are needed. Actors must learn their lines and positions. Scenery is designed and lighting is planned. Details are reviewed and revised. Everything must be ready for opening night.

Judgment Day, or the second coming of Jesus, is the subject of today’s gospel. Some of us may be frightened by the possibility of being cast out. Some of us may even be tormented by thoughts that we won’t “make the cut”. Do not despair! This is what we have been praying for “...He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead and His kingdom will have no end.” Like the theater performers, we have been given the script we need. We only need to rehearse our parts to be ready for opening night.

Our roles have been given to us by God. Scripture tells us what we must do: “act with justice, love tenderly, and walk humbly with God.” So our job now is to practice, practice, practice. We need to live every moment in service to others. When we do, when opening night arrives, we will be ready—even if we don’t know the day or the hour. Now is the time to prepare not despair.