Today we're able to spend the day with Jesus without too many obstacles. Today we can read God's word and receive Communion. We can spend time with other Christians and freely tell the good news of Jesus to whomever He sends us. We can work "while it is day. The night comes on when no one can work" (Jn 9:4).
Let's appreciate today and "make the most of the present opportunity" (Eph 5:16). For there will be a time "more distressful than any between God's work of creation and now, and for all time to come" (Mk 13:19). At that time, we "will long to see one day of the Son of Man" but will not see it (Lk 17:22). The Lord will never leave us, but it will be difficult to believe this under the circumstances.
Let's pray, prepare for the future, and not dread it. We should pray to not be subjected to the trial but to stand erect by faith and hold our heads high "when these things begin to happen" (Lk 21:28). We prepare for the future by using fully the opportunities of the present. We have wasted enough time doing "what the pagans enjoy" (1 Pt 4:3). We are not to spend what remains of our "earthly life on human desires but on the will of God" (1 Pt 4:2). "It is now the hour...to wake from sleep, for our salvation is closer than when we first accepted the faith" (Rm 13:11).
| PRAYER: | Father, today is the only day I'm certain I have left. I live my life and day fully for You. |
| PROMISE: | "For she [wisdom] is the refulgence of eternal light, the spotless mirror of the power of God, the image of His goodness." –Wis 7:26 |
| PRAISE: | St. Albert spent his days learning about God through both natural and supernatural revelations. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College