He saw two brothers. 

November 30, 2020 3:00 am

“As Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter, and his brother Andrew, casting a net into the sea; they were fishermen.” (MT 4: 18) 

Let’s imagine this simple scenario: Jesus “walking by the Sea of Galilee;” Jesus watching the typical daily routine of fishermen. Then, an unexpected finish: two fishermen became apostles. Jesus didn’t call them after some liturgical service in the synagogue or when they were praying; He called them when they were working. Our Lord is present in our lives not only when we are in the church or when we are in the state of grace; He is with us when we are tired, working, or when we are sad or in despair. I want to be more conscious when working today because Jesus is walking near me, and maybe He wants to see my work.  

“Come after me, says the Lord, and I will make you fishers of men.” (Gospel Acclamation) 

Be watchful!

November 29, 2020 3:00 am

“Jesus said to his disciples: ‘Be watchful! Be alert!
You do not know when the time will come.’” (MK 13: 33)

“Be watchful!” is universal—in so many moments in our lives: walking and driving, watching children or the elderly, in the class and when working. Our Lord reminds us to be watchful for time. We need time for our relationships, for our spouses to be together, for our children to listen to them, and we need time to pray to and stay close to Our Lord. Time passes, but it will serve us and help us be watchful when we plan it carefully. 

“Show us Lord, your love; and grant us your salvation.” (Gospel Acclamation) 

The anxieties of daily life

November 28, 2020 3:00 am

“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.” (LK 21: 34-35)

It is so interesting that “becoming drowsy” comes equally from “carousing and drunkenness and daily life anxieties.” It is much easier to recognize the first two, but more often we encounter the third one—“anxieties of daily life.” It helps when we have a daily life program: be gentle today, be respectful and giving, protect your time with your spouse, defend her/him from your inner dialog’s accusations, express your love most uniquely daily. Those who protect these things “do not become drowsy.”

“Be vigilant at all times and pray that you may have the strength to stand before the Son of Man.” (Gospel Acclamation) 

My words will not pass away.

November 27, 2020 3:00 am

“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” (LK 21: 33)

We can put our trust in Our Lord’s words—words, which “will not pass away,” because Our Lord is the Word. Whenever we listen to Him, whenever we open the Bible, we are next to Him. Especially today, when there is less and less authority, we can trust completely in Him when everything else changes so quickly. 

“Stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand.” (Gospel Acclamation)

Your redemption is at hand.

November 26, 2020 3:00 am

“But when these signs begin to happen, stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand.” (LK 21: 28)

Today the USA celebrates a day of Thanksgiving – a day the early pilgrims shared with the American Indians who helped them survive the winter months of New England —all the best for you, America. 

We are encouraged: “Stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand.” All “these signs” are just a reminder to put our trust in Him. He knows what happened, why it happened when it finished, and where it leads us. “Redemption is at hand,” we are His children, and He protects us. 

“Stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand.” (Gospel Acclamation) 

Perseverance 

November 25, 2020 3:00 am

“By your perseverance, you will secure your lives.” (LK 21: 19)

Perseverance is a virtue. The dictionary describes it this way: “persistence in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success.” Married life and family life are a perfect environment to grow in this virtue: loving our differences, day by day changing our old habits and creating better ones, seeing our children grow and helping them to mature, and so on. Never, ever give up; this helps us start a new day with new hope and ideas, knowing that God is always there when we need His help. 

“Remain faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.” (Gospel Acclamation) 

Such things must happen first.

November 24, 2020 3:00 am

“When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for such things must happen first, but it will not immediately be the end.” (LK 21: 9)

We know the phrase: start with the vision of the end. What we see is always a step, just a part of something bigger. God created us with love and wants us in heaven. God’s plan is one, and nothing can change it; God doesn’t need to improvise, to modify His plans somewhat, or to change them entirely —everything helps us and serves us to love more, to be better persons, and to finally end in heaven, where we will love and will be loved forever. 

“Remain faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.” (Gospel Acclamation) 

More than all the rest

November 23, 2020 3:00 am

“I tell you truly, this poor widow put in more than all the rest; for those others have all made offerings from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has offered her whole livelihood.” (LK 21: 3-4)

When we compare our spouses with our idealistic vision for them, they have no chance. If we change ourselves, when we “put in more than all the rest,” we win. We can only change ourselves; we can make this world a better place when we are focused on being better, more positive, more optimistic, more gentle, more respectful, and always more focused on giving than on demanding. 

“Stay awake! For you do not know when the Son of Man will come.” (Gospel Acclamation) 

You did for me

November 22, 2020 3:00 am

“Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of the least brothers of mine, you did for me.” (MT 25: 40)

The King of the Universe thinks about me and identifies Himself with me: “whatever you did for one the least brothers of mine, you did for me.” We can’t imagine the dignity we receive. This helps us to put in practice our great dreams about loving Him the most amazing way by loving our spouses and our children the most amazing way. It will reach the Heart of Our Lord.

“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the kingdom of our father David that is to come!” (Gospel Acclamation)

Teacher, you have answered well

November 21, 2020 7:10 am

“Some of the scribes said in reply, ‘Teacher, you have answered well.’” (LK 20: 39)

All the answers are in God. He created this world and us. He redeemed us and gave us the purpose for living. He assists us, leads us, and helps us to fulfill our mission. Whenever we ask Him questions about what to do to go to heaven, we can expect answers. And He answers well.

“Our Savior Jesus Christ has destroyed death and brought life to light through the Gospel.” (Gospel Acclamation)