Jesus emphasizes that we need to be watchful, alert and vigilant lest the distractions, attractions, cares and worries of life overwhelm us and suck us into a vortex of busyness and preoccupation. As a wife, mother and home- maker, I have to be aware of what occupies my thoughts and of the state of my heart. Am I allowing problems to consume me? Am I allowing them to remain there long enough to affect my feelings and mood? Am I allowing the myriad of things vying for my attention and intervention to draw me into a hamster wheel of endless activity? This busyness has become accepted as normal in today’s society. We need to remember that our work, service and ministry are not the end goal but a means to an ultimate end. Being vigilant means that we make an effort not to be attached to the things of this world. We should allow the Holy Spirit to teach us the art of surrendering our desires, cares and anxieties to him and allow him to satisfy our needs. Let us do God’s will, so that death, whenever it comes, will find us ready.

Prayer: Abba Father, I surrender my cares to you. Amen.