October 22, 2024. Luke 12:35-38. Today’s reading is about keeping our minds and hearts attentively turned towards God.  The parable is about servants staying awake to welcome their master back from the wedding banquet, even if it is late at night.  If they stay awake for him, the master in turn cares for them and serves them, and they are blessed.  This means that if we remain attentive to God, we are ready to encounter him.  We should not think, “I’ll pray when I’m old,” or “I’ll pray on Sundays” and disregard our spiritual calling the rest of the time. Whether through the quiet of centering prayer or through a heartfelt prayer of longing for Jesus’ love, our attentiveness and mindfulness of God opens the door for his blessings and help for us.  God and the angels wish to help us, and they are often waiting for us to simply pay attention – to put aside distractions and sit quietly.  As St. Augustine said, pray always, without ceasing, if you can.  Or as St. Paul said, “Pray continually” (1 Thessalonians 5:16). In this case, prayer does not necessarily mean through words.  It mainly means to pay attention and keep our minds open to God.  This could be time in nature, mindful housecleaning, centering prayer, or any of the contemplative practices. That is so.

Personal:  When you go on retreat, do not worry what you will eat or wear.  Be free of worries and see what will come.  There is always water to drink.  And spiritual friends to be made.  Fresh air to breathe like the wildlife in the fields.  It will be well.  Amen.