A Jesuit Catholic University
in Omaha, Nebraska, since 1878

Ecclesiastes 1:2-11 Psalms 90:3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 14, 17 Luke 9:7-9

Weekly Guide for Daily Prayer The Daily Reflections

"In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge." -Psalm 90:1

Today’s saint, St. Vincent de Paul, reminds me of my 2012 Spring Break Service Trip, sponsored by the Creighton Center for Service and Justice. I co-coordinated a trip of seven students to the great city of Chicago, Illinois to work with the order of sisters the Daughters of Charity. One of the sisters' main ministries was staffing the St. Vincent de Paul center in Chicago, which is a center that provides social services such as daycare, senior services, and homeless outreach to Chicago families. While working with the sisters, we were able to learn a lot about them and their work, which was incredibly inspiring. These women had given their entire lives to dedicate themselves to working with the poor, and they all were so happy and willing to do so. It was such a blessing to get to spend the week with them, because they showed us how to recognize what is truly important in life.

Today’s readings seem to have a common theme of pointing out the brevity of our earthly lives. They talk about passing on to the next life and generations passing and coming. Because our earthly lives are so short, it is critical to remember that what we choose to do in this life will be reflected in our eternal lives. As Maximus Decimus Meridius says in his famous pre-battle speech in the movie Gladiator, “What we do in life…echoes in eternity!” God has given us infinite opportunities to be his arms and legs on earth, and how humbling it is to think that God has chosen us to work through. Not only did he humble himself to dwell among us on earth as Jesus Christ, but he humbles himself even today by sending the Holy Spirit to guide, direct, and fuel our lives on earth. Let us ask the Holy Spirit today to remind us that every decision we make today influences our eternal lives. Let us pray today that God will show us his will for our lives and give us the strength and courage to follow that will. Let us pray that our work today will bear fruit for us in eternal life.

"Fill us at daybreak with your kindness, that we may shout for joy and gladness all our days. Prosper the work of our hands for us! Prosper the work of our hands!" -Psalm 90:17