In today’s First Reading Our Lord puts the churches of Sardis and Laodicea on guard against the dangers of complacency and mediocrity. In some way the believers at Sardis believe they’re living their lives in accordance with what the Lord expects of them: maybe it’s a Christianity that wants to remain comfortable, or an attitude of just doing the minimum necessary as insurance. Our Lord warns them that they’re not doing enough. The imagery of the garments and being dressed in white refer to the sanctifying gift of their baptism, which for many has become soiled for their actions. A white and clean garment not only signifies fidelity to baptismal grace, but remaining in a state of grace, striving for holiness.
If the church at Sardis is doing the wrong things, the danger for the church at Laodicea is that they’re not doing anything at all. Like a swig of lukewarm beverage that doesn’t refresh whether the weather is hot or cold, and has all the flavor of a plain tofu, the Lord expects something, but doesn’t receive it. They think they have all they need, but they don’t. Our Lord describes himself as standing at the door, knocking. Both Sardis and Laodicea are leaving him out on the porch, not welcoming him into their home.
Does Our Lord have a home in your heart? If you listen quietly, in prayer, and try to live as he wishes, you’ll open the door to him. Accept no substitutes.
Readings: Revelation 3:1–6, 14–22; Psalm 15:2–4b, 5; Luke 19:1–10. See also 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle C and 33rd Week in Ordinary Time, Tuesday.
