Twenty-Fifth Thursday of Ordinary Time

Now thus says the LORD of hosts: Consider your ways! You have sown much, but have brought in little; you have eaten, but have not been satisfied; You have drunk, but have not been exhilarated; have clothed yourselves, but not been warmed; And whoever earned wages earned them for a bag with holes in it.

It is not enough to spend our lives sowing, but never reaping. Or eating, but never being satisfied. Or drinking, but never being exhilarated. Or clothed, but never warmed. Or to earn wages, but just as quickly lose them. What God is telling us is we need to sow the seeds of faith in our lives so we can bear good fruits to offer God and feed others, spiritually. He wants us to eat His Body and drink His Blood because it is only through sharing in the Eucharistic Feast that we can be truly satisfied and exhilarated. He wants us to be clothed in him because it is only by putting on Christ that our hearts can be warmed by the fires of the Holy Spirit. He wants us to earn our wage as co-workers in His vineyard, cultivating consciences and souls, and not wasting our time, talents, and treasures on worldly endeavors. When our lives are built on temporary earthly successes they fall apart and fail. However, if we build an everlasting temple to God within ourselves and give God honor and glory in everything we think, say, and do, then our lives will last forever with Him in Heaven.

Have we taken time to consider our ways and how they match or deviate from the Way, the Truth, and the Life of Christ? What can we do to more firmly found our lives upon God? Are we spending our lives wisely and well?

O Lord, help us to consider our ways and amend them so they build up the faith within ourselves and others.

Amen.