Daily Reflection for Friday, August 27, 2021
Peace and Blessings, Friends and Parishioners!
We encourage you to reflect on Friday’s readings at this link
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/082721.cfm
If you prefer to use your own Bible, the readings are:
First Reading: 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8
Responsorial: Psalm 97:1 and 2b, 5-6, 10, 11-12
Gospel: Matthew 25:1-13
Our reflection on Friday’s readings:
“Lord, Lord, open the door for us!’ but he said in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, I do not know you.’ Therefore, stay awake." (Matthew 25:11-13)
“Those who were ready went into the wedding feast with him.” (Matthew 25:10).
How can I be ready, Lord? In my humanness it is so easy to become distracted from my readiness. I want very much to be a part of the feast in heaven when my time arrives.
We have many sources of light in our home. These require a variety of lightbulbs to function. One of my pet peeves is not having a supply of the various sizes, shapes, wattages, etc. handy for when one of those burns out. It took my husband a few years to realize that it was easier to stock the various varieties than to endure the rolled eyes look or sarcastic comments I might make if we didn’t have them when needed.
Reading this gospel today makes me wonder how often Jesus must “roll His eyes” at me. I have so many of the tools and aids at my disposal to center my life in Christ. Yet, all too easily, I am distracted. I can so easily run into my day with a lamp, but no extra oil in which to keep it fueled. Quite easily, I can rely on others to carry the supplies for me or come to my rescue when I need a recharge.
Be vigilant at all times and pray, that you may have the strength to stand before the Son of Man is the Gospel acclamation taken from Luke’s gospel. Prayer is essential to my walk with Christ. Not just the standard prayers I learned as a child, but praying in all ways, all day. Taking what is right in front of me and allowing myself to look first from my center rather than from my knowledge base. To remain open and accepting so that God may speak to my receptive ears and heart.
Help me Lord to place you first in my day, moment by moment, breath by breath, for when I achieve that level of awareness of your presence, then I will be truly ready for the feast.
In Heartfelt Joy,
Lynne Brennan