Listen

“Take care that your hearts aren’t dulled by drinking parties, drunkenness, and the anxieties of day-to-day life. Don’t let that day fall upon you unexpectedly, like a trap. It will come upon everyone who lives on the face of the whole earth. Stay alert at all times, praying that you are strong enough to escape everything that is about to happen and to stand before the Human One.”

Luke 21:34-36

Think

Today’s passage concludes Jesus’ public teachings before the story turns to Good Friday and beyond, and Jesus closes with an urgent reminder. He warns his disciples against anything that might “dull” their hearts and prevent them from noticing what is happening around them.

Personally, I know that the “anxieties of day-to-day life” (v. 34) have the power to distract me from staying present. But that’s not the only thing that can dull my heart; it can also happen in seasons where I’m not sleeping enough, when I forget to eat nourishing food, or when I’ve said “yes” to too many things.

Jesus warns us to stay alert – watching for signs that God is at work in our changing lives. There are many things that can pull us from being present in our own lives and hearts, but if we can avoid the distractions we might be witness to the divine in this world.

What are things you do or habits you fall into that make your heart vulnerable to becoming dulled? How can you help yourself notice those things as they occur?

Paris Ball

Pray

God, you call me again and again to stop and pay attention.

But, there is so much in my life that is also competing for my time and energy, and it’s easy for me to get overwhelmed by it all.

Yet, you remain constant – calling me back to my center and to your love.

Protect my heart from those things that dull it, and keep me focused on your love this day, this hour, this moment.

Amen.

Go

As we depart from this time of prayer and reflection
may we be attentive to the moments ahead

May we receive the world with
courage and compassion

May we treat ourselves with
loving kindness

May hope guide us,
for the Lord is coming!