The passage from Matthew we read today is rather straightforward. No one knows the precise time of the coming of the Lord in glory, so watchful waiting and vigilance are required.  The question for us as members of the Christian community, then, is how do we prepare for this? The Gospel speaks more about the manner of waiting, rather than the details of the preparation.  Jesus compares the vigilance required of Christians to the vigilance of a homeowner who knows the plans of the thief. If one knows that the thief's action is imminent, one remains watchful and secure his life and property.  As Christians, we know that our Lord is coming even if we cannot know the precise timing. Jesus calls us to be watchful and vigilant, like the homeowner.  If we become relax in our Christian living, we may be caught unprepared.