Stay alert to avoid spiritual distraction

Gospel

Luke 21:34-36

That day will be sprung on you suddenly, like a trap

Jesus said to his disciples:

‘Watch yourselves, or your hearts will be coarsened with debauchery and drunkenness and the cares of life, and that day will be sprung on you suddenly, like a trap. For it will come down on every living man on the face of the earth. Stay awake, praying at all times for the strength to survive all that is going to happen, and to stand with confidence before the Son of Man.’

Reflection

Jesus warns that the day will come unexpectedly and that life’s distractions—caring for ourselves, indulging, and worries—can numb our hearts. True readiness comes not from clever planning, but from staying awake in prayer, allowing God’s strength to sustain us. When we fix our gaze on the Son of Man and seek daily grace, we stand confidently, not in our own ability, but in His mercy and truth.

Reflection Question

- In what ways have I allowed the "debouchery, drunkenness, or cares of life" to dull my spiritual alertness? What concrete steps can I take this week to stay awake in prayer and lean on God’s strength?

Short Prayer

Lord, keep me alert and steadfast. Guard my heart from distractions that dull my faith, and strengthen me through prayer so I may stand confidently before You. Help me to seek Your will above all else and trust in Your grace for every moment. Amen.

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