Today's Gospel: Luke 21:34-36 I am an over-preparer. I like to know what's coming and when. My pantry and freezer are stocked, and my house has a lot of stuff I don't use, but which I'm saving in case I might need it someday. Dealing with the unexpected is difficult for me. When Jesus says, "Be on guard ... [so]  that day does not catch you unexpectedly, like a trap," I am all about being ready. The thing is, my over-preparedness regarding life's little things isn't going to get me too far spiritually. On the contrary -- the "worries of this life" such as how much flour is in the pantry and how much chicken is in the freezer really aren't going to bring me the peace of mind I crave. Jesus wants me to be ready for Him. Flour and chicken and a year's supply of toothpaste aren't what I need to focus on. I need to be alert, Jesus tells me. I need to avoid that kind of distraction -- as well as distractions caused by my own self-indulgence -- so that my heart can be open to Him.

Ponder:

What is weighing down my heart today? What obstacle keeps me far from God?

Pray:

Lord, help me to remember that preparing my heart for You is the most important preparation I can take on. Help me to focus on following Your Word.
Copyright 2018 Barb Szyszkiewicz, OFS Receive CatholicMom.com newsletters in your inbox, including the Daily Gospel Reflection each morning! * indicates required
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About the Author

Barb Szyszkiewicz

Barb Szyszkiewicz

Barb Szyszkiewicz, senior editor at CatholicMom.com, is a wife, mom of 3 young adults, and a Secular Franciscan. Barb enjoys writing, cooking, and reading, and is a music minister at her parish. Find her blog at FranciscanMom and her family’s favorite recipes with nutrition information at Cook and Count. Barb is the author of The Handy Little Guide to Prayer and The Handy Little Guide to the Liturgy of the Hours, available from Our Sunday Visitor.