Is 25:6-10a Ps 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6 Phil 4:12-14, 19-20 Mt 22:1-14

Weekly Guide for Daily Prayer The Daily Reflections

The Midwest autumn foliage is an indescribable array of the most beautiful color schemes! Yesterday, the vibrant saplings near my apartment caught my attention, and I had to go to them. Many of the limbs were low enough that I could touch and admire the leaves closely. As I reflected on the beauty and continued walking among the branches, I realized how important it was for me to slow down, appreciate life, and remember my ultimate goal of heaven.

It is perfect then that today’s Mass readings are filled with reminders for pursuing eternal life. In the first reading, we are given examples that point to the lack of suffering that exists where God is. Here stomachs are satisfied, feelings of unworthiness and distance from the Creator are nonexistent, and pain is wiped away. I want to be saved and on this mountain where my Creator is!

In the responsorial psalm, we recite five times how we shall be with the Lord forever. Throughout our life journey in despair and joy, our eyes should be set on the desire to spend eternity with our Shepherd. How we choose to spend our time on earth determines whether we will be in communion with God.

Finally, in the parable, all are being invited to encounter the kingdom on earth. However, like the Israelites, sometimes people ignore the invitation, and some, like the man, are physically present but neglect to give praise to the cause and purpose of celebration. 

Let us make time to absorb the beauty in this fall season, and give your mind a chance to wander and reflect on whatever the Holy Spirit guides you to.

***Today is a gift. Live it like that. ****