READY FOR THE MASTER’S RETURN

35 “Be ready for service* and have your lamps lit.ag 36 You are to be like people waiting for their masterah to return from the wedding banquetai so that when he comes and knocks, they can open the door for him at once.aj 37 Blessed will be those servants the master finds alertak when he comes. Truly I tell you, he will get ready,D have them recline at the table, then come and serve them.al 38 If he comes in the middle of the night, or even near dawn,E and finds them alert, blessed are those servants. 39 But know this: If the homeowner had known at what hour the thief was coming,am he would not have let his house be broken into. 40 You also be ready,an because the Son of Manao is coming at an hour you do not expect.”ap