The Catholic Calendar for Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Tuesday of the Twenty-ninth Week in Ordinary Time
St. Anthony Mary Claret, bishop

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Ephesians 2:12-22
Psalm 85:9ab-10, 11-12, 13-14
Luke 12:35-38

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

In today’s Gospel Jesus talks to us about the necessity of being prepared for His final coming. It is something we know is important and I'm sure something we all intend to do. But somehow and so often, many things get in the way.

I have frequently thought how devastated I will feel when my time is up and realize I have failed miserably to be the kind of loving person God has called me to be. It’s enough to bring me to momentary tears and then, and then . . . . “What happens?”

Where does my resolve evaporate? Where does my determination and clear sight of what really is important disappear? How can the things of this temporary world lure me away from the more marvelous and eternal things of heaven?

The answer is that sin has so marred us that we are not ourselves; or more correctly, we aren't what the Lord intended us to be.

What then, should we do?

Instead of constantly being saddened by our pitiful efforts while risking being unprepared on the last day, let us beseech the Lord to keep before our eyes the hope of heaven, the prize and pearl of great worth. Pray that we may be as allured by God and the thought of heaven as we are by so many other, but utterly worthless and passing things.

Please Lord, listen to my prayer, all my hope is in Your mercy.

- Donna Nelson, OCDS
(drn3rd at hughes dot net)