Mass Readings: August 25
Reprinted from
Presentation Ministries,
a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization
and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of
the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community.
THE LAST WORD
"Who is the faithful, farsighted servant whom the Master has put in
charge of His household to dispense food at need? Happy that servant
whom his Master discovers at work on His return!" –Matthew 24:45-46
Jesus will come back a final time. He will come suddenly and
unexpectedly (see Mt 24:42, 44). Therefore, we must always be prepared.
We will be prepared for Christ's final coming if we are always busy
working at dispensing "food at need" (Mt 24:45). This not only means
giving physical food to the hungry but also spiritual food to everyone,
for "not on bread alone is man to live but on every utterance that comes
from the mouth of God" (Mt 4:4).
No matter our calling in life,
we all have the responsibility to share God's Word. That's one of the
reasons we come to Mass or read One Bread, One Body. This gives
us Scriptural material to share. The word "Mass" means "sent." We are
sent to give what we have received (see Mt 10:8). "When much has been
given a man, much will be required of him. More will be asked of a man
to whom more has been entrusted" (Lk 12:48). Share God's Word.
If
we don't receive God's Word or if we hoard it by keeping it to
ourselves, we aren't ready for Christ's final coming. He will punish us
severely and settle with us "as is done with hypocrites. There will be
wailing then and grinding of teeth" (Mt 24:51). Before Jesus comes on
the last day, we must go each day and share His Word.
PRAYER: | Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus, as soon as possible. |
PROMISE: | "What thanks can we give to God
for all the joy we feel in His presence because of you, as we ask Him
fervently night and day that we may see you face to face and remedy any
shortcomings in your faith?" –1 Thes 3:9-10 |
PRAISE: | St. Louis was a rare saintly king and died after receiving the last rites in the Holy Land.
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