Thirty-Fourth Saturday of Ordinary Time

Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life, and that day catch you by surprise like a trap. For that day will assault everyone who lives on the face of the earth. Be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent and to stand before the Son of Man.

Be vigilant at all times. This message is one we should take to heart. We are constantly tempted to lose our focus on what is important in life, namely knowing, loving, and serving God and others. Our good thoughts, words, and deeds can drown in the anxieties of daily life. Our sins can make us drowsy and cause us to fall spiritually asleep. However, the things of the world are passing, they can’t sustain our souls that yearn for the eternal life. Nor can they give us peace of mind or heart. The only one who can lead us to paradise is Jesus Christ, who gave us the roadmap to the narrow path to Heaven. Now it is up to us to be vigilant, pray for strength, and be willing to stand before God, trusting in His Divine Love, Justice, and Mercy.

Are we being vigilant in our spiritual lives? How can we overcome the traps of sin and anxieties? How often do we pray to God for the strength to do His Will not matter the cost?

O Lord, give us the grace to be vigilant at all times.

Amen.