Ordinary Time

Pause

The Spirit of God oftentimes comes to us so quietly that we have to lean in to hear the soft voice that beckons us.

Lean in. Cup a hand around your ear and focus. Give up the need to understand and care only to hear.

Still your mind. Breathe deep. Be ready for whatever may come to inspire you.

Listen

Keep awake therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. But understand this: if the owner of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour.

Matthew 24:42-44

Think

The parents of infants understand something of what it’s like to be always alert. The little creatures are likely to wake you up at any and all times of the night, without warning and without apology. As they get older and start to crawl and then to walk, moms and dads have to watch all the time – all the time – because these tiny people can get into trouble without a moment’s notice.

It would be nice if there were someone else there all the time to help, someone to stand watch while you went about your business and, when attention was especially required, would point and call out in a stage whisper, “Psst! Hey! You might want to look over there!” But it’s not like that.

It would be nice if we could depend on someone else to give us all a high sign when Jesus is about to show up. But it’s not like that. No, it’s up to all of us, each of us, to just be ready.

Nick Foster

Pray

Lord, I want to be ready when Jesus comes. Help me to see the signs and to share what I see with others. Amen.

Go

Listen.
Listen with your heart.
Your ears may deceive you,
But your heart is the kinder guide.

There is a softness in the air;
The word travels lightly in the wind.
Still then your feet for only a moment,
And feel the message all around.