August 28, 2026
St. Augustine
Are You Prepared?
The foolish ones, when taking their lamps, brought no oil with them, but the wise brought flasks of oil with their lamps.
Matthew 25:3-4

Our lives on earth could be simplified to spiritual training for heaven. Just as a marathoner puts in many training runs to be able to finish on race day, our spiritual lives are training for heaven. The time we spend in prayer today helps us for the eternal prayer of praise we will offer in heaven. Every visit to the Blessed Sacrament on earth is preparation for adoring Jesus in heaven.

The saints speak about remote and proximate preparation for prayer. Remote preparation is the cultivation of a spiritual mindset throughout the day, while proximate preparation is deciding how you wish to pray. For example, what do you bring with you to adoration or church? A Bible? Rosary? Spiritual book? Journal? If we prepare and decide what or how we wish to pray, we will be like the wise ones who brought their flasks of oil with them.

How can I better prepare for my next time of prayer?

- Fr. Edward Looney

1 Corinthians 1:17-25 ✚ Psalm 33:1-2, 4-5, 10-11 ✚ Matthew 25:1-13
Warm cup of tea and open Bible with sunflowers on a rustic wooden table. Image by shine.graphics | stock.adobe.com
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Comments

Salina (not in control)
August 28, 2026 at 01:52 PM

Matt’s cousin, Jeff, passed away last night peacefully at his home after the hospice nurse ministered patches behind his ears and oral drops to make him breathe comfortably ✝️ *** One comment Jeff made was…it was taking longer than he thought (wanted)! Exactly 7 days since he came home from the hospital! *** Thank you for praying for Jeff’s peaceful passing ✝️ *** Now, we pray for those who (including Matt) are sad and grieving his passing that God wraps His arms around them and show them His love, comfort and hope beyond this world and bring them joy in...
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Bill L
August 28, 2026 at 03:47 PM

I will include Jeff in my rosary this evening, along with Matt, you and the rest of the family, Salina.

freeter
August 28, 2026 at 10:54 AM

Amen. :)

Salina (not in control)
August 28, 2026 at 09:29 AM

So what was the difference between the foolish ones Vs the wise ones in Matthew 25:1-4, “Here is what the kingdom of heaven will be like at that time. Ten bridesmaids took their lamps and went out to meet the groom. Five of them were foolish. Five were wise. The foolish ones took their lamps but didn’t take any olive oil with them. The wise ones took oil in jars along with their lamps.” *** The foolish ones had no oil for their lamps but the wise ones took oil with their lamps! What does the oil represent? Why didn’t the foolish...
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Salina (not in control)
August 28, 2026 at 09:52 AM

How to pray ✝️ *** Romans 8:26-27, “ In the same way, the Holy Spirit helps us when we are weak. We don’t know what we should pray for. But the Spirit Himself prays for us. He prays through groans too deep for words. God, Who looks into our hearts, knows the mind of the Spirit. And the Spirit prays for God’s people just as God wants Him to pray.” *** Ephesians 6:18, “At all times, pray by the power of the Spirit. Pray all kinds of prayers. Be watchful, so that you can pray. Always keep on praying for...
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Holly
August 28, 2026 at 09:23 AM

Amen!

CBR
August 28, 2026 at 09:22 AM

Go in my inner room neal down and pray in private this is what we are called to do Amen Amen Amen

ADV
August 28, 2026 at 08:46 AM

AMEN!

Stormi
August 28, 2026 at 08:20 AM

Fr. Edward thank you for those words of inspiration helping us to prepare for the lord each day. I truly believe the best preparation for anyone is a true and honest heart. Blessings to all the LFF, especially those with extra needs. Vicky G. prayers for you and your family always. Your courage is evident in your words. Holy Spirit fill the hearts of all to guide us to a heavenly earth.

Gary
August 28, 2026 at 08:16 AM

Amen!

Cheryl
August 28, 2026 at 06:35 AM

Thank you Fr. Edward for your refection today... it gives us all food for thought in our preparations for our heavenly lives

Mike
August 28, 2026 at 08:42 AM

Amen

Warm cup of tea and open Bible with sunflowers on a rustic wooden table. Image by shine.graphics | stock.adobe.com
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