Jesus tells the disciples to keep alert for the coming of God. He encourages them to read the signs of the times. But no one knows the day or the hour, so they are to keep awake at all times.

How many times do we get caught out because we weren’t prepared: we’re late because we forgot about rush hour; or there’s no milk for that late night drink because the workmen drank it all? While on these occasions we can ring ahead, or nip to the corner/garage shop, if necessary, there’s no ‘plan B’ if we are not ready for Jesus.