photo from 2003 lakeside by sji

 

Nov 26, 2005 Last Day Ordinary Time Year A

Lk 21:34-36
Jesus said to his disciples: “Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life,
and that day catch you by surprise like a trap. For that day will assault everyone who lives on the face of the earth. Be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent and to stand before the Son of Man.”
I suppose if I become relaxed and fall into a routine way of living that the alertness and vigilance begins to ebb. Some of the daily trials can be like water that slowly smooths and wears away a stone. If I am alert to the way of Jesus and always on the search with eyes open, it will help me to avoid some of the pitfalls that could separate me from God.

I look forward with longing to the time that I will stand before God and leave behind the daily trials of this world. I hear in this reading today the message to take the higher road, not to let myself get bogged down in insignificant, petty worldly problems. Sometimes in the midst of all abundance there is a great desert and it takes the strength of faith given by grace to remain on the path that leads to God alone. Love alone will lead me to the true way of God and peace. Nothing can separate me from the love of God.

As events unfold, I remember my priorities in my life and put the love of Christ always to the front in all matters at all times. St Benedict is a loving and wise guide and I prefer nothing to the love of Christ.