Letting it get to you

Sometimes we let life get to us: the stresses, the worries, and the troubles simply overwhelm us.

That definitely seems to be the case in today’s first reading (Daniel 7:15-27) as the prophetic visions of yesterday’s reading have put Daniel on the edge of a complete nervous breakdown.

I, Daniel,
found my spirit anguished within its covering of flesh,
and I was terrified by the visions of my mind.

Some people react to fears and troubles with anxiety; others try to drown themselves in drugs, alcohol, hedonism, or other mindless distractions.

In today’s Gospel (Luke 21:34-36), our Lord gives us advice for handling the fears and troubles of life, even the greatest ones.

Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy
from carousing and drunkenness
and the anxieties of daily life,
and that day catch you by surprise like a trap.

For that day will assault everyone
who lives on the face of the earth.

Be vigilant at all times
and pray that you have the strength
to escape the tribulations that are imminent
and to stand before the Son of Man.

We should not let everything get to us. Rather, we should take everything as an opportunity to get closer to Jesus.

May our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the Son of Man, give us the grace to pray always, to be alert and discerning, and to be strong in him – no matter what.