“But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come. It’s like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with their assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch. Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’ ” Mk 13:32–37
Not long after moving into my new apartment, I was startled by a loud alarm that shook the entire hallway. I hurriedly opened the front door to find out what was happening—it was a fire alarm. Living on the top floor, I checked below to see if smoke was rising and then called the security office, only to hear a calm response: “It’s just a routine inspection.”
While I was momentarily relieved, I couldn’t help but notice that there had been no signs of movement from the neighbors across the hall or downstairs when I opened my door. Were they simply away? Had they grown too accustomed to such alarms? Or, worse yet, were they sleeping and unable to hear it? This incident became a moment for me to examine my own faith. I reflected again on Jesus’ words: “Keep watch.” For me to respond immediately to the alarm of faith, my soul must always stay awake.