21st Week in Ordinary Time : Thursday 31st August 2023

It is very difficult to face the challenges of life completely alone. When we are united with others in a bond of love, we are strengthened, and when we encourage one another, we can face anything. Paul discovered this – perhaps we have too. It is good to have a circle of friends of like mind and heart with whom we share our lives. Community nourishes the soul, and a genuine community can only be formed with love, trust, and openness – not by force or authority.

The early Christians expected Jesus to return at any time – today, tomorrow, or next week. Many stories in the New Testament end with ‘stay awake’ or ‘you know not the day or hour’. We do not live with the same expectancy. But we, too, must always be ready to meet the Lord. Our lives can end suddenly, for no one is guaranteed a long life. But often, it is a matter of time slipping by until we realize we have missed many chances to love and grow spiritually. We do not have forever, and we should resist the temptation to put things off to the future. We must treat each day as a precious gift, for each day is unrepeatable. Treat each day as if it were your last – not in a negative or morbid sense but with joy and fulfilment. This is the day the Lord has made – let us rejoice.

Lord, I thank You for the gift of this day.