August 31, 2023, Thursday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time-A
1 Thessalonians 3:7-13
Psalm 90
Matthew 24:42-51
Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain wisdom of heart. Ps. 90:12
“Therefore, stay awake!” Matthew 24:42
Lord, when our teenaged children begin to drive a car and go out at night we don’t sleep until they are home safely. Today you urge us to be like a child waiting and watching for Christmas morning to stay awake looking for your gifts and opportunities. We cannot let the routine of day-to-day living lull us to sleep for we will then miss so much of what you want to give us. Opportunities to live and love could pass by if we aren’t vigilant. Lord, you constantly bless us with every spiritual blessing in the heavens. May we not miss any of them! Likewise, the evil one wants nothing more than to catch us asleep and off-guard so he can place temptation before us. Lord, what precious gift do you want to give me today? What blessing, healing or opportunity will you present to me over the next few hours? What lie will the devil try to sell me on? Lord, keep me ready, aware, alert and awake for all I will encounter today. Lord, we can gain wisdom of heart by watching for your presence in the large and small events of every day which are your gifts. Amen.