Staying Spiritually Alert, Even in August!

Staying Spiritually Alert, Even in August!

Summertime can be a mixed blessing for me. Don’t get me wrong - I enjoy the weather, the somewhat slower pace of life and ministry, and the chance to do some of those things I have not had time for during the rest of the year. However, with the less structured schedule and so many things to choose from, at times I get stuck in indecision and end up missing the opportunity to do any of them!

 

The Gospel this Sunday urges us: “Be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.” Jesus isn’t trying to frighten us, but to wake us up to the daily grace of being faithful and ready. He speaks of servants who are alert—not because they are anxious, but because they know our Master is near and our lives have purpose.

 

August can be a sleepy month spiritually. Travel, heat, and late summer routines can make spiritual practices feel like something we’ll “get back to” in the fall. The fact we call this liturgical season “Ordinary Time” doesn’t always inspire us, either! But the ordinal counting of the weeks reminds us to keep putting one foot in front of the other on our lifelong journey as pilgrims with Christ. And today the Lord inspires us: “Blessed are those servants whom the master finds vigilant on his arrival.”

 

This doesn’t necessarily mean working harder or doing more. It means remembering what really matters: being generous with what God has entrusted to us, living our faith with hope, and being attentive to recognize Christ’s presence in our daily life.

 

We have some beautiful opportunities this week to do just that. This Monday evening, we’ll host a movie night about Blessed Carlo Acutis, the teenager about to be canonized who used his love of the Eucharist—and his computer skills—to help others see Jesus more clearly. Come be inspired by his witness of quiet readiness.

 

This Friday is the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary—a holy day of obligation when Church calls us to come together to celebrate this special feast of joyful hope. Mary goes before us, body and soul, as a sign that heaven is not far from those who live with Christ. Our collaborative parishes offer two Masses this Friday, or you can go wherever is more convenient for your weekday schedule.

 

Looking ahead, our “Discovering Christ” series returns this September for adults and older teens who want to explore faith, ask honest questions, and meet Christ again. Someone is present this weekend after all Masses to answer your questions about this opportunity. Perhaps you or someone you know needs this invitation - if so, block of Thursday evenings this fall.

 

Whether we are on vacation or simply in a slower August rhythm, we remain pilgrims. We do not pause our journey of faith. Christ continues to entrust us with his mission, his mercy, and his people. See the other articles here for details on some ways we can support you in this endeavor.

 

Let us stay alert so we can see Him present - even in our ordinary days of August.