The thrust of Sunday's gospel text is a common one. You will find Jesus' message here echoed throughout the epistles, especially Paul's writings. "Be prepared!"
Idioms abound in the scriptures. The idiom which best conveys the burden of Jesus' message is "let your loins be girded." Still today, this idiom is spoken when readiness is discussed. While humorous in some ways, the intent of the expression is a stern warning. Gird up your loins!
The loins on a human's side extend from the ribs to the pelvis. Clothed in the robe of the period, one would simply wrap tightly the long flowing material and tuck it in a belt. When this was done, the person had greater freedom of movement. He could now run or work unencumbered or was ready for action. Often the action called for was to do battle.
Our text cites two instances where a servant must be ready: the return of the master after a marriage feast and the intrusion of a thief. The point of it all however is the call for readiness when the Son of Man comes.
In this land, the study of the Fifth Gospel is primarily "knowing the lay of the land" as in the study of geography. Understanding one's Bible is also enhanced by a knowledge of the cultures and languages of the day. One of the clearer idioms of the 1st century was "gird up your loins." Both Roman and Jew would have understood its intent. Now as then, it conveys an unmistakable message. "Be prepared!"
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