Ephesians 5.8–16
A preaching that awakens, a preaching that enlightens – as when a light turned on awakens and of course annoys a sleeper – that is the preaching of Christ, calling, ‘Wake up! Be converted!’ this is the Church’s authentic preaching. Naturally, such preaching must meet conflict, must spoil what is miscalled prestige, must disturb, must be persecuted. It cannot get along with the powers of darkness and sin.
Oscar Romero (1917–80), 22 January 1978
In what ways is Christ calling us as individuals to wake up and be converted afresh? How can we challenge the world around us with the wake-up call of Christ?
O You who are our great Chief, light a candle in my heart,
that I may see all that is within,
and sweep the rubbish from your dwelling place.
An African Schoolgirl’s Prayer
Make us, we beseech thee, O Lord our God,
watchful in awaiting the coming of thy Son,
Jesus Christ our Lord;
that when he shall come and knock,
he may find us not sleeping in sin,
but awake, and rejoicing in his praises;
through the same Jesus Christ our Lord.
South India
