Daily Readings: Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13; Jeremiah 1:4-10; Acts 11:19-26; Luke 21:34-38

Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day catch you unexpectedly, like a trap. For it will come upon all who live on the face of the whole earth. Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man. Luke 21:34-36, NRSV

Two thoughts come to my mind when I reflect on the reading of Luke.  One is the notion of feeling overwhelmed, anxious and worried.  These emotions are all too familiar to me.  I worry about the condition of the world, my family, my health and a myriad of other things that we encounter as we live out our daily lives.  However, if we put it into perspective (not always easy), the challenges we face are insignificant when compared with eternal life with God.  God cares about our challenges, but preparing us for heaven is what matters most.

This idea of worry ties in with my second thought.  What will worry accomplish?  Worrying will only lead us to miss out on the more important things in life; and when that final day comes, will we be able to say that we lived a life of compassion, love and service to others?  We are constantly told that wealth, material objects or status will bring us happiness, but God tells us material things shall pass away, but not his word.  

So let us ponder as to how we can worry less and prepare ourselves this Advent in anticipation for what is to come.  A good start is through prayer, for we can not do it alone!

Have no anxiety about anything. but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be known to God.  And the peace of God, which passes all understanding , will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  Phillipians 4:6-7

May both shadow and light guide you to God-With-Us.

Offered by Donna Ciulla