Nineteenth Monday in Ordinary Time

Above the firmament over their heads something like a throne could be seen, looking like sapphire. Upon it was seated, up above, one who had the appearance of a man. Upward from what resembled his waist I saw what gleamed like electrum; downward from what resembled his waist I saw what looked like fire; he was surrounded with splendor. Like the bow which appears in the clouds on a rainy day was the splendor that surrounded him. Such was the vision of the likeness of the glory of the LORD.

The goal of our lives as Christians is not to be successful in the world, but rather to do good and avoid evil so that when we die, we might be worthy of eternal life with God. We must remember it is the throne of God we must pay homage to first and foremost in our lives. Our hope is to come before God on the Day of Judgment and be called His good and faithful servants. This is what we strive and suffer for... to be found worthy to stand in God's Divine Presence and be filled with love for Him forever and ever.

Are we striving toward the true ends of our lives? Or are we letting the world and its temptations and worries keep us apart from God? What can we do to prepare our bodies, minds, and hearts to worthily stand before the splendor of God for all eternity?

O Lord, may our every thought, word, and work glorify you and lead us closer and closer to life everlasting with you.

Amen.