APPOINTMENT WITH GOD

“Prepare to meet your God.” —Amos 4:12

Will we meet God as Judge or as Savior? This question illustrates why it is so critical to prepare to meet God (Am 4:12). The heavenly Father has tirelessly sent messengers, prophets, and teachers to “make straight His paths” into the hearts of all people (see Mt 3:3). God tells His prophets everything so that they might better prepare our hearts (Am 3:7). God has revealed everything necessary for our meeting with Him.

So will we be ready for the meeting with God? Will we have listened? Jesus says that if we don’t listen to His prophets, even a meeting with a person risen from the dead will not touch our hearts (Lk 16:31).
How have you prepared for other important meetings, such as a job interview? Did you dress properly for the occasion? Have you ever prepared for an important date, or a formal dance? You made sure that you looked your very best. Jesus told a parable about someone who did not prepare to meet God (Mt 22:1-14). A man was not properly dressed for the wedding feast of the King. Others declined the chance to meet the King, and didn’t even bother to attend.

Have you prepared to meet your God? Each day of your life is a day to prepare for meeting Him. Cleanse your soul to be its best by repenting and taking part in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Make straight God’s path to your soul (Lk 3:4).

Prayer: Lord, give me an intense desire to meet You every day in the Mass, the Sacraments, and the Scriptures.

Promise: Jesus “stood up and took the winds and the sea to task. Complete calm ensued.” —Mt 8:26

Praise: St. Irenaeus battled heresy without compromise. He gave us a magnificent summary of the Gospel: “What was lost in Adam is regained in Christ” (cf 1 Cor 15:22).