“Learn a lesson from the fig tree. When its branch becomes tender and sprouts leaves, you know that summer is near. In the same way, when you see these things happening, know that he is near, at the gates . . . but of that day or hour, no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father” (Mt 24: 32-36).

It is hard not to look around and wonder if the time is coming when Jesus will come for us. Even the disciples were sure he would come in their lifetime. Jesus tells us to be aware, and yet he also reminds us that not even he knows the day or the hour. And so we must live as if today is the day. We must embrace this vocation of motherhood and disciple the souls entrusted to us as if Christ might come to take us all to himself at any time. This does not mean trying to prepare frantically; it means to live calmly in the hope of our eternal reward, to live in the joy of our salvation, and to live without fear, even in the midst of darkness. 

We can prepare ourselves and our families by loving one another and learning to live with the perspective of eternity.

Along with the Psalmist, we can say: “Therefore my heart is glad and my soul rejoices; my body, too, abides in confidence . . . You will show me the path to life, fullness of joys in your presence, the delights at your right hand forever” (Ps 16:9, 11). Be at peace, for the Lord is your inheritance.

Dearest Lord, help me truly to live with an eternal perspective, in hope and in great expectation of your coming. Deliver me from fear and from the snares and temptations of the world. Help me to point my children toward heaven so that they can always find their peace and hope in you.