Join Msgr. Don Fischer as he reads and delivers a short reflection on today’s gospel, followed by 3 1/2 minutes of contemplative music and a closing prayer. Msgr. Don hopes that today’s reflection on the gospel will empower you to carry the Word in your heart throughout the day.

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Gospel
Luke 21:34-36

Jesus said to his disciples:
"Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy
from carousing and drunkenness
and the anxieties of daily life,
and that day catch you by surprise like a trap.
For that day will assault everyone
who lives on the face of the earth.
Be vigilant at all times
and pray that you have the strength
to escape the tribulations that are imminent
and to stand before the Son of Man."

Reflection

The heart is the essence of who we are. It's the place from which God works. It's interesting here, Jesus is talking about a heart that is sleepy, drowsy. It's because of doing things that are only a distraction and also doing things that make us more and more unconscious and therefore anxious. This is the trap. And so what Jesus longs to do is to awaken in our heart not only our true essence, but also His presence that enables us then to be a source of life and light to all around us.

Despite any tribulations, any problems that we face. If we believe in who we are and who God is in our hearts, we will always find life and light and hope.

Closing Prayer

Father, your gift of your dwelling within our hearts is the heart of everything that I long to teach and to share with those who believe. It is the mysterious presence of your power, your ability to resonate through us all that we need to be in every situation, most especially to be a healing presence, a calming presence, a loving presence in the world. Bless us with this awareness. Help us to be strong. And we ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen.