Saturday of Week 34 in Ordinal Time -- Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary

"I, Daniel, was deeply disturbed and the visions that ran through my mind alarmed me!" Dn 7:15-27

"Then the kingship and dominion and majesty of all the kingdoms under the heavens shall be given to the holy people of the Most High, and their Kingdom shall be everlasting. Dn 7:15-27

Jesus said to his disciples: “Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life, and that day catch you by surprise like a trap." Lk 21:34-36

This last word that Jesus gives to us is one of encouragement and sobriety. He informs us that the Evil one has set a trap. So we have knowledge that there is danger before us. He instructs us on how to avoid the trap. We are to pray always: to remain in communion with the Father, to keep the Divine Spirit alive in our souls.

This is the mystery: He has gone, but remains with us always. He will return and we are to be prepared for His return. We are too weak (we will die), but He is the life in us. If His life remains in us, we will be able to stand before Him when He returns. His return is terrifying, but for those who remain one with Him, His return is a comfort.

Heavenly Father, be our source of sobriety. Help us to always dwell in hope. Never let Your Divine Spirit be taken from us. Amen.