25 August 2011 Thursday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time
1 Thessalonians 3:7-13; Psalm 90; Matthew 24:42-51
Time is an important element in the Gospel today. But it tells us the value of the present time, in view of the uncertain future. The time to prepare is now because we do not know what will happen in the future.
There is a story of three apprentice little devils who laid out their individual plans to destroy humanity. They presented the plans to Satan.
The first devil said that his plan was devious especially to the Enemy. “I will announce to everyone that there is no God!” he said to Satan.
Satan said, “Well, some will believe you, but many won’t. They know God is alive.”
The second devil said that his plan is more scheming. “I will announce to everyone that there is no hell!” Satan was not pleased. He said, “Despite the attraction that they can do anything they want, some will believe you, but many won’t. They know that if they do what is immoral, their lives will be like hell.”
The third devil said that his plan is deceptive. “I will announce to everyone that there is ALWAYS time!”
Satan, suddenly lighted up and said, “Go, go right away! You will convert millions!”
The person who always thinks that there is always time will keep on procrastinating. But there are things that we cannot put off the next day. There are things that has to be done now, before the hour when there is no tomorrow for us.
In an emergency, the doctor who gives a correct diagnosis in a split second, took years of study. On stage, the artist who performs excellently in a two-hour show, practiced even without inspiration. Parents who raised their children well, have formed them every single moment. Students who get high marks have studied long before the hour.
Our defining moment is a result of daily and regular preparation.
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