For a more enriching experience,
go down on your knees to pray or take it one step further
and prostrate yourself (lay face down) on the floor while praying.
Father, scriptures like the one today are often the ones that get me a bit confused because they seem so extreme. At the same time, I understand the parable below that Jesus relates is meant to drive home a moral point or profound lesson. Stronger messages often do get my attention. This brings to mind the many times that I have acted and reacted irresponsibly, with delay and procrastination. It also reminds me of the many times I have put more importance on waiting in lines, waiting in traffic or waiting on dinner than I have put on waiting for Jesus. Further, it's tough to imagine how many wonderful opportunities I have probably missed out on just because I responded slowly and without conscious thought, while at the same time getting myself in trouble because I responded slowly and without conscious thought. Forgive me Father for my irresponsible and lethargic ways and I ask You to help me become more of what I should be and less of what I should not be.
Through Jesus Christ's Precious Blood, Most Sacred Name and Most Holy Face. ~Amen
A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Luke
Luke 12:39-48
[Jesus said to them . . . ]
39 "Be sure of this: if the master of the house had known the hour when the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into.
40 You also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come."
41 Then Peter said, "Lord, is this parable meant for us or for everyone?"
42 And the Lord replied, "Who, then, is the faithful and prudent steward whom the master will put in charge of his servants to distribute (the) food allowance at the proper time?
43 Blessed is that servant whom his master on arrival finds doing so.
44 Truly, I say to you, he will put him in charge of all his property.
45 But if that servant says to himself, 'My master is delayed in coming,' and begins to beat the menservants and the maidservants, to eat and drink and get drunk,
46 then that servant's master will come on an unexpected day and at an unknown hour and will punish him severely and assign him a place with the unfaithful.
47 That servant who knew his master's will but did not make preparations nor act in accord with his will shall be beaten severely;
48 and the servant who was ignorant of his master's will but acted in a way deserving of a severe beating shall be beaten only lightly. Much will be required of the person entrusted with much, and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more."
The Gospel of the Lord
Praise to You Lord Jesus Christ
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