The Day of the Lord

This week I am featuring a series of brief devotionals to go along with the daily mass readings.

“But you, brothers, are not in darkness, for that day to overtake you like a thief.”

I Thessalonians 5:4

During a recession, people suddenly become more aware of the insecurity of their worldly positions. Jobs are lost, stock values plummet, and even the surety of a roof over one’s head is no longer a given. Those who are still on dry ground become more wise in their spending, saving for a “rainy day”. Spiritually, we must make sure we are always ready for the day of the Lord’s return. We must save up His words in our hearts for when they are needed. Those who care not about living the Gospel are living in the darkness and are in danger of being unprepared for His coming. If we keep to our faith and do our best to follow His word, we are living in the light and need not fear.

Prayer: Lord, help me to live your Word, that I may always be prepared.

FRANCKEN, Hieronymus, II
Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins
c. 1616
Oil on canvas, 111 x 172 cm
The Hermitage, St. Petersburg

Facing Adversity

This week I am featuring a set of brief devotionals to go along with the daily mass readings.

“But he passed through the midst of them and went away.” Luke 4:30

If we are living in God’s will, we are going to make people angry from time to time. In fact, persecution for your goodness is often a sign that you are doing something right. In today’s Gospel reading, it almost seems as if Jesus is trying to make the people upset with him. At first, they are praising him for his virtues. But he was not there to tell him what they wanted to hear. By the time he is done speaking, they are ready to throw him off a cliff. Are we willing to face adversity for telling the truth? And when it comes, how do we deal with it? Can we “make like a duck”, brush it off and continue on our way?

Prayer: “Lord, help me to face persecution for your sake.”

Painting by Carl Block, 1875

Firstfruits

Red Vineyards at Arles, 1888

As I read the second reading in church this morning, it seemed the perfect words for me on my birthday. I was not planning on writing today, but it reminded me that I had something planned for this week. You see, last winter I prepared a week's worth of brief devotionals as a sample to send to a Catholic publisher of daily devotionals. I picked this week's readings because it started with my birthday. It was rejected by them, so you will get it for free. Look for six more brief devotionals to go with the daily readings this week.

“He willed to give us birth by the word of truth that we may be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.” James 1:18

To the ancients, the firstfruits were the earliest grains, symbolizing the genesis of an abundant harvest. The Creator only gives what is good and perfect, wanting His people to have a fruitful life. God gives us His Word that we might have both Truth and Life. When we accept his Gospel message as Truth, we are reborn, becoming the firstfruits of His Word. When we incorporate the Gospel into our way of life, we become a living testimony to the goodness God wants for us. When others see that we are content and peaceful, they might ask, “What is your secret?” Through His grace you will then have the courage to give credit where it belongs. If you know God’s Word, you will have an answer ready that will glorify Him.

Prayer: “Help me to be a living example of your Word.”