Saint Monica (Memorial)
You do not know on which day your Lord will come. (Matthew 24:42)
No wonder Jesus warns us to stay awake! The end could come at any time, and he wants all of us to be ready to greet him when he does come back. This is not just some vague warning. It’s a practical approach to life that we all should adopt.
So stay awake! Remember who you are: a child of God, close to his heart. You are loved, precious, and unique, and he delights in you. You are not just the subject of a distant God. You are his own child, and he cares about you. He rejoices when you do, and he wants to comfort you when you’ve been hurt. Spend some time, daily, alone with the One who is always on your side. “Father, awaken in me the truth that I am your child so that I can live in your love today.”
Stay awake! God has plans for your life, plans for your good, plans to give you a future full of hope
(Jeremiah 29:11). He wants to involve you deeply in his life, even when it looks like the same old job, the same old school routine, or the same old schedule of housework. Ask him! He loves to share his intentions with you. “Father, what are your plans for me today? How do you want to draw me to your side today? How do you want me to build your kingdom today?”
Stay awake! Satan would like nothing better than to catch you asleep. Be wary of his lies, especially when he tries to tell you that you are worthless, unloved, or all alone. Be alert, for the devil wants to bind you with cords of anger, bitterness, and grudges. Don’t fall for it! Forgive. Ask forgiveness. Strife, anxiety, and fear are his territory. Run to your Father when you find yourself there. “Father, open my eyes and ears to perceive and flee the works of the devil.”
Stay awake! God has poured out his love in your heart, a love that can flow out to others. When challenges come, don’t panic. Ask the Father to help you see what he sees, and to love as he does.
“Father, fill my heart with more of your love. Help me to move in your peace and patience today, alert to what you want to do.”
1 Thessalonians 3:7-13
Psalm 90:3-5, 12-14, 17
Daily Marriage Tip for August 27, 2015:
Mothers with challenging children, don’t lose hope! Ask St. Monica for help. She prayed and wept for years over her son, St. Augustine.