The Catholic Calendar for Tuesday, February 28, 2006
Tuesday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
1 Peter 1:10-16
Psalm 98:1-4
Mark 10:28-31

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Peter, in the First Reading says, “Gird the loins of your understanding” in preparation for the coming of the Lord. It was an unusual thing to hear and not something I really understood. We have heard that the Israelites were told to “gird their loins” in preparation for their Passover flight from Egypt. But what did Peter mean?

The early Christian Church thought that the second coming of the Lord would happen soon. History has born out that this was not the case. In many senses though, the message is still as important. because on an individual basis we know that the day of our own death is unpredictable and can catch anyone by surprise, as often it does.

It seems we are to be alert and ready to use all our God-given faculties and the many gifts He has given us, so that we won't be caught unprepared for the coming of the Lord.

Isn't it wise, therefore, to be ready, to have “girded our loins” so that we’re agile and ready to respond quickly and completely to any bidding of our Creator? I think it does. Let us pray then to be continually aware of the gift of every moment, moments that were given to us as opportunities for praise and repentance.

- Donna Nelson, OCDS
(drn3rd at hotmail dot com)

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