"Whoever seeks to preserve his life will lose it, but whoever loses it will save it." Lk 17:33
Jesus regularly reminds his followers to read the signs of the times. Most of us do this naturally and organically when storms or other dangers threaten us. We check the batteries in flash lights, fill up bottles with drinking water and cover our windows with boards to repel hurricane force winds.
Unfortunately, we seem unable to read or follow danger signs in our spiritual lives. We drift away from the regular practice of our faith. We skip an occasional Sunday mass, and fail to begin a meal with prayer. We forget how rich the scriptures are, and take little time for quiet and reflection, all in name of caring for our families or, God forbid, working in the church.
Jesus alerts his followers to these simple faults and warns them that the consequences will be great for those who fail to keep themselves centered in God. The language he uses is frightening. "I tell you, on that night there will be two people in one bed; one will be taken, the other left." Only those who are awake enough to God's will for them will be saved. It is not so much that his followers have done anything wrong, but have become lukewarm and dulled by an inattentive life.
Today, pay attention to the simplest of God's signs. Listen, look and respond to God all around you.
How do you avoid missing everyday signs of God's life within and among us?
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