Reflect today on those in your life that God wants you to love

So stay awake, because you know neither the day nor the hour. " Matthew 25:13

Imagine if you knew the day and time you would pass from this life. Of course, some people know that death is approaching due to illness or age. But think about this in your life. What if you had been told by Jesus that tomorrow is that day. You are ready?

There would most likely be a lot of practical details that would come to your mind that you would like to take care of. Many would think about all their loved ones and the impact this would have on them. Put everything aside for now and ponder the question from one perspective. Are you ready to meet Jesus?

Once you have passed from this life, only one thing will matter. What will Jesus tell you? Just before this Scripture quoted above, Jesus tells the parable of the ten virgins. Some were wise and had oil for their lamps. When the groom arrived late at night they were ready with the lamps lit to meet him and greeted them. Fools were not prepared and had no oil for their lamps. When the bridegroom came, they missed him and heard the words: "Truly I tell you, I do not know you" (Matthew 25:12).

The oil in their lamps, or the lack of it, is a symbol of charity. If we want to be prepared to meet the Lord at any time, any day, we must have charity in our life. Charity is much more than a passion or an emotion of love. Charity is a radical commitment to love others with the heart of Christ. It is a daily habit that we form by choosing to put others first, offering them all that Jesus asks us to give. It can be a small sacrifice or a heroic act of forgiveness. But whatever the case may be, we need charity to be ready to meet our Lord.

Reflect today on those in your life that God wants you to love. How well do you do it? How complete is your commitment? How far are you willing to go? Whatever comes to your mind regarding your lack of this gift, pay attention to this and plead with the Lord for his grace so that you too will be one who is wise and ready to meet the Lord at any time.

Lord, I pray for the supernatural gift of charity in my life. Please fill me with love for others and help me be abundantly generous in this love. May he hold nothing back and, in doing so, be completely ready to meet you whenever you call me at home. Jesus I believe in you.