THURSDAY, TWENY FIRST WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
Memorial of St Monica
1 Cor 1: 1-9 Ps 145: 2-7 Mt 24: 42-51
GRACE THAT CALLS
Many of us easily notice our weaknesses. We remember our failures and forget the many blessings God has given us. In today’s first reading, St. Paul helps us see ourselves differently. He reminds the Christians in Corinth that they are called by God, made holy in Christ, and blessed with many spiritual gifts. Although Paul knows they have many problems, he begins by thanking God for his grace. This teaches us that God always looks at us with love and hope. His grace comes before our efforts and helps us grow into faithful disciples. God has given each one of us unique gifts. Some can teach, some can encourage, and others quietly serve with kindness. Every gift has value because it comes from God. We should never compare ourselves with others or consider our contribution as too small. What matters most is using our gifts with love and humility. When we place our talents at God’s service, even the smallest act can become a blessing for someone else.
In the Gospel, Jesus asks His disciples to stay awake and be ready. He is not asking us to live in fear but to live with faith every day. A faithful servant is one who continues doing good, even when nobody is watching. Readiness for the Lord is shown through simple acts of love, honesty, forgiveness, and prayer. These ordinary moments prepare our hearts for His coming. The Memorial of Saint Monica gives us a beautiful example of this faithful life. She prayed for many years for her son, Augustine, who had wandered away from God. She never gave up, even when she saw no change. Her trust remained strong because she believed that God was working in ways she could not see. At the right time, her prayers were answered, and Augustine became one of the greatest saints of the Church. As St. Augustine later reflected, “The tears of my mother were more powerful than the arguments of others.” Today, let us thank God for his gifts, remain faithful in our daily duties, and never lose hope in prayer. God’s grace never fails those who continue trusting in him.
Response: I will bless your name, O Lord, forever.
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