In the United States, elementary, high school, and college students are spending hours daily practicing soccer or football. They aim to be ready for the season. Do we place as much energy into being ready for heaven? Does there seem to be an uneven contrast with our preparation for things of this earth and for the next life? Scripture regularly reminds us to be vigilant as we await the Master. How can you direct your life more toward readying yourself for Christ’s coming?
Our consumer culture thrives on possessions and accumulating more and more things. It is no wonder we become obsessed with stuff. We are invited to form a different sort of a relationship with possessions. This relationship would have regard for what matters in life. As many have found, giving away things not only lightens to burden on the earth but also helps us achieve our ultimate happiness found in God alone. Examine whether your treasure is in your possessions.
After giving the disciples the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus continues to teach them to pray. He tells them the heart of communication with God is to ask, knock, search, and trust. Again, we are reminded that God does what is best for us. Even in sinfulness, we know to gift our children with what is good. How much more does God do for us by providing the Holy Spirit? Take time today to examine your prayer life. Do you value time in prayer? Is anything missing from your prayer life?
“Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things.” We can replace our name with Martha’s and imagine how easily Jesus could comment on how we concern ourselves with things that do not matter. Take a moment to close your eyes and be with the Lord to discern what is important. Today we have a chance to choose “the better part,” and to be led to this better place, be it at the Lord’s feet or another place.
For centuries, societies have tried to answer the question “Who is my neighbor?” Today’s reading depicts a person who offers mercy to a stranger in answer to this question. As a Christian, our response to another should be to provide mercy. That is especially true when the person cannot reciprocate. Today’s Gospel account portrays mercy well since it personifies not only a good deed but how another is acknowledged and accorded dignity. Whom do you encounter who would be grateful for your recognition?
Going with another person to another city to preach the Gospel may not be our vocation. However, we are doing God’s work when we wish peace to those we meet. No matter the circumstance or place, a Christian is to act as an instrument of peace. The Eucharist empowers us to bring Christ’s peace to others. As we Christ in our lives, may we emanate the peace that we have received.
As Jesus calls people, we hear legitimate reasons for putting off the call to follow. Jesus replies that another can bury the dead or bid farewell. What keeps you from following Christ? Are there things that you need to release or allow to die so that you may freely follow Christ? If anger or past hurts are holding you back, it may be time to say goodbye to them and move on. Today Jesus may be urging you not to look back.
Jesus looked lovingly on the crowd and provided for them. Through the Eucharist, God continues to offer food for the journey. At Mass, we offer our lives up and Christ nourishes us at the table of the Lord. We are then dismissed to “go and announce the Gospel,” making our lives nourishment for others. At times we may feel we are living in a deserted place and barren. But we can always come to the Eucharist to eat and be satisfied. We trust that God’s love is bountiful, and we give that love to others.
We live in an age in which we often do not need to wait to know something. Advancements in science allow parents to know the gender of a child months prior to birth and for genes to be mapped to determine possible future ailments. Jesus tells the disciples something that is contrary to our time. He tells them to wait. They are to await guidance from the Spirit of truth. When do you pray to the Spirit for guidance? How hard is it to await the reply? As we await the Spirit, we are putting our trust in God.
God is continuing to teach us many lessons. The Advocate is here to remind us and teach us “everything.” Are we willing to listen and learn? No matter our age or education, the Spirit can lead us to deepen our life in the Lord. This Pentecost, we take to heart the message that love and the Commandments are intertwined. The Advocate is here to help us understand that.