LK 21:34-36 Drowsy Hearts

Saturday of the Thirty-Fourth Week in Ordinary Time
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By STEPHANIE JUAREZ

Jesus said to his disciples:

“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.

For that day will assault everyone

who lives on the face of the earth.

Be vigilant at all times

and pray that you have the strength

to escape the tribulations that are imminent

and to stand before the Son of Man.”

This Gospel is a tough one! It reminds us that, someday, we will have to undergo a final judgement from our God. We will have no where to run and no excuses when that day comes. When we finally see Jesus face to face, will it be a joyful encounter? Do we trust in His divine mercy and long to see His face or do we run from prayer?

Love demands a response If our hearts are drowsy or anxious it is because we have forgotten The Lord’s great love for us. If we have gotten drunk on envy or high on pride it is because we are living for ourselves and not for Christ. If we have let the tasks of daily life or the desire for material things overwhelm us it is because we have lost sight of Heaven. This tends to happen a lot around the holidays. Ironically, it gets worse as we get closer to Christmas. But we must not forget that Love (i.e. God) demands a response. His love should change us into more loving people. His humility should make us more humble. Our hearts should be awakened and conformed daily to look more like His sacred heart. This is the life of a Christian. Constant and deep conversion.

Hidden Love When I reflect on what it means to be humble, obedient, and merciful I always think of St. Faustina. In the eyes of the world she was a simple nun: poor, uneducated, and basically a nobody! Yet Jesus chose her to be the secretary of His Divine Mercy. Through His apparitions to her He revealed how much He desires to extend healing mercy to those souls that are willing to trust totally in Him. He also revealed how much He desires to unite Himself with us not just in eternal life but right now through the Eucharist! You see, Holy Communion prepares us for our final union with Christ. The more we prepare ourselves to receive Him in a state of grace when He is hidden in the host, the more prepared we will be to stand before Him at the hour of our death! In the host He is humble, hidden, vulnerable, and thirsting for our love. How do we respond? How are we preparing ourselves to meet our Savior?

“Today, I prepare for the coming of the King. What am I, and who are You, O Lord, King of eternal glory? O my heart, are you aware of who is coming to you today ? Yes, I know, but - strangely - I am not able to grasp it. Oh, if He were just a king, but He is the King of kings, the Lord of lords. Before Him, all power and domination tremble. He is coming to my heart today... I hear Him approaching. I go out to meet Him and invite Him. When He entered the dwelling of my heart, it was filled with such reverence that it fainted with fear, falling at His feet.

Jesus gives her His hand and graciously permits her to take her place beside Him. He reassures her saying, See, I have left My heavenly throne to become united with you. What you see is just a tiny part and already your soul swoons with love. How amazed will your heart be when you see Me in all My glory. But I want to tell you that eternal life must begin already here on earth through Holy Communion. Each Holy Communion makes you more capable of communing with God throughout eternity.” (Diary of St. Faustina #1810-1811)

As we prepare for Sunday Mass tomorrow and for the season of Advent, let us be vigilant of the things that cause our hearts to fall asleep and our souls to wander away from The Lord. Do not be afraid to make changes or to let go of whatever is keeping you from a deeper, more joyful union with Jesus. Our Blessed Mother can help us along this journey through her powerful intercession. I am going to begin the Novena to the Immaculate Conception today, please consider joining me!

“Pray, hope and don't worry. Anxiety doesn't help at all. Our Merciful Lord will listen to your prayer.” - St. Padre Pio

This mediation was written by Stephanie Juarez. You can read more of her writings on her blog Lover of the Light.