In today’s short gospel reading, Jesus speaks a message to his disciples that transcends the chains of time to still have meaning for us today. He begins by saying: “Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life…” (34). How easy it is to get caught up in pettiness! What ways of the world do we find ourselves slipping into? Do we let ourselves worry about what we need to get done each day? Perhaps drunkenness? Anxiety? As a college student the ways of the world seem very difficult to avoid at times. The beautiful thing, however, is that God gives us the tools to become strengthened so that we may avoid sin and grow in our relationship with Him. God gives us the sacraments, which allow us to be mindful of things that are truly important.

Jesus recognizes our shortcomings and loves us just the same. He has our best intentions at heart as He warns us to be vigilant. While temptations and suffering are ubiquitous, we must not ever forget the sheer omnipotence of God.

Who better to rely on than the Unchanging One? God is challenging us to be true disciples, aware that we are meant for something greater than the ways of the world. Let us ask for strength as we draw our hearts closer to him through prayer. Today especially, let us set our hearts on the Lord and overcome the drowsiness and lethargy we so often fall into. Let God be the cure, the answer, and the refuge, to our restless hearts.