Friday of the Thirty-second Week in Ordinary Time
Luke 17:26-37
Do not look back!

Today’s Gospel passage is difficult, but from it we can gather certain truths that guide our Christian life.

First, there will be moments when we long for Christ’s return. Like the saints and martyrs in the Book of Revelation, we may cry out, “How long, O Lord?” Yet God’s time is not ours. We must learn to be patient and trust that his plan unfolds in ways beyond our understanding.

Second, the coming of Christ is certain, but the time is unknown. Speculation is useless, and false prophecies only distract us. The best preparation is to remain faithful to our daily duties. When Christ returns, blessed are those he finds working humbly, loving sincerely, and living honestly.

Third, God’s judgment will be personal. Jesus warns that of two people standing side by side, one may be taken and the other left. This reminds us that salvation cannot be inherited by proximity. We cannot rely on the holiness of our spouse, parents, or friends. Each of us must answer personally to God and nurture our own faith.

Finally, Jesus’ proverb—“Where the body is, there the vultures will gather”— Just as certain conditions draw vultures, so the return of Christ will come at the appointed moment. Our task is not to calculate when it will happen, but to be ready whenever it does.

This readiness means living without stubborn pride or clinging to the past. Like Lot’s wife, if we keep looking back, we risk losing sight of the future that God has prepared. Now is the time to change, to discern, to let go of mistakes and regrets. Life is dynamic—there is a time to sow and a time to reap, a time to struggle and a time to be at peace. What matters is to move forward with hope, fixing our eyes on Christ.

So let us not be paralysed by fear or nostalgia. Instead, let us keep walking faithfully, with forward vision, so that whenever the Lord comes, he may find us ready.

© Claretian Publications, Hong Kong, China
Cum Approbatione Ecclesiastica 2025