Category: Verse for the day

“Make every effort to preserve the unity.” –Ephesians 4:3 From prison, St. Paul pleaded with his Christian brothers and sisters to “live a life worthy” of their calling (Eph 4:1). This meant being humble, meek, long-suffering, and lovingly forbearing (Eph 4:2). This radically different way of life was necessary to preserve and deepen the early Church’s unity in the Spirit (Eph 4:3). The priority was unity in the body, unity in the Spirit, and unity in hope; unity in the Lord, faith, and baptism, and unity in the God and Father of all (Eph 4:4-6). This sevenfold unity is still...

“I kneel before the Father from Whom every family in heaven and on earth takes its name; and I pray.” –Ephesians 3:14-16 Today’s first reading is possibly the greatest family prayer ever. It teaches us that, when we pray for our family and others, we should first of all pray for “gifts in keeping with the riches of His glory” (Eph 3:16). Family life is humanly impossible. We must admit this and then pray for supernatural gifts from God. The demands of family life are overwhelming. The only way we will survive is by asking for and receiving inward strength...

“Be like men awaiting their master’s return from a wedding, so that when he arrives and knocks, you will open for him without delay.” –Luke 12:36 Jesus says that when we knock, the door will be opened for us (Mt 7:7). God neither sleeps nor slumbers (Ps 121:4); He is always ready to answer our knocking. Scripture also reveals that Jesus knocks on our door. He says: “Here I stand, knocking at the door” (Rv 3:20). Will we open for Him without delay? (Lk 12:36) We are to make the most of the present opportunity (Eph 5:16). To do so,...

“Teacher, tell my brother to give me my share of our inheritance.” –Luke 12:13 In the ancient world, receiving an inheritance was a make-or-break deal for the rest of one’s life. Not getting his share of the inheritance he was entitled to could have possibly doomed this man to poverty. Was Jesus insensitive to this man’s request to have his brother share the inheritance he had coming? It sounds that way. Yet Jesus has a heavenly perspective. He is trying to persuade people to focus on what does not fade away. He is concerned with higher things (see Col 3:2)....