St. Anthony & Our Lady of Fatima

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.