As I listen to the young people in my life, the 40 and 50-somethings, I frequently hear an interesting expression: “ya gotta show up!” Or “I hope they show up!” Or “just show up!” These include teachers, consultants, trainers, CEOs, and church ministers. When asked what they mean, I’m told: “I just want them to show up with curiosity, an open mind, a spirit of adventure.” “I hope they’ll show up willing to do their part to make this a better team and/or place to work.” I have also heard, “I need to deal with my own baggage so I can show up to facilitate a safe place for people to speak honestly and listen well.”

As more friends and family members of my generation are dying, dealing with debilitating medical issues, and/or taking care of spouses suffering from strokes, early dementia, etc., we wonder what we can do. I often hear, Just show up, that is, be there: with your presence, a comforting word, a sympathetic ear, a helping hand.

In today’s Gospel from Luke, we hear Jesus urging his disciples (us) to be like watchful servants, always at the ready to receive the “Master.” I can imagine Jesus speaking in today’s parlance: show up – in whatever vocational call you have – always on the alert, ready to serve, and – in the words of the psalmist – be of mind and heart to say, “Here I am, Lord; I come (showing up) to do your will.”

At each Mass, we have the opportunity to show up, take in the Word of God, eat the bread that will become for us the bread of life, and drink the wine that will become our spiritual drink. We show up ready and willing to be bread broken for a hurting world.

Let Us Pray:

Take Lord, and receive all my liberty, my memory, my understanding, and my entire will, all that I have and possess. You have given all to me. To you, O Lord, I return it. All is yours, dispose of it wholly according to your will. Give me your love and your grace, for this is sufficient for me. (Saint Ignatius of Loyola)