Be Present in the Present - Weekday Homily Video

I invite you to reflect on a story that captures the essence of our tendency to procrastinate and delay what truly matters. It's a story of three young devils facing their final examination in Hell, a chilling scenario painted by Mark Link.  They were trembling in cold sweat despite the heat. Their Principal, Professor Satanus, looked at them and said: "Just one question, what will you do on earth to bring a rich harvest of souls to me?"

The first devil answered: "I will tell the people that God doesn't exist." "Bad approach," Satan grumbles, "too many know deep in their hearts that my enemy exists, especially when they are about to die."  The second devil shivered even more when he said: "I will tell them that hell doesn't exist." "Bad approach," Satan sneered, "too many experience already a hell of a life and know that sin leads to eternal misery." 

The third devil was terrified by the failing results of this exam. But he was a clever fellow. He said: "I will tell the people that there is no hurry to change. That there is always a tomorrow." "Splendid! You may graduate. You will bring souls to me by the millions." How often have we fallen into this trap?

The False Promise

The lure of tomorrow, the promise of more time — a sly trick that can lead us away from what truly matters. Today's Gospel reading teaches us about vigilance, about staying awake to the reality of Christ's return. Jesus Himself warns us: "Therefore, stay awake! For you do not know on which day your Lord will come." 

In the first reading, we see the heartfelt prayer of St. Paul. He fervently prays that their love may abound and their hearts become blameless in holiness. This prayer is for the present, for the now. It's a plea to focus on what matters today, to deepen our faith and strengthen our relationships without delay. 

So, my dear friends, let us be present in the present and come out with the best in us for God and others. Today, let us commit to love without hesitation, forgive without delay, and seek God without reservation. Let us not put off the important conversations, the acts of kindness, the gestures of reconciliation that can transform our lives and the lives of those around us.  

• Today’s Readings

• Father Pinto's inspirational homily was recorded live during Mass at the Father Peyton Center this morning. Please view the video on our Facebook page. (You don't need a Facebook account to view.) 

• To view Rosary prayer and Mass streaming live, please visit our Facebook page at 11:30 a.m. Eastern, Monday – Friday. Please invite your loved ones to join us too! You don't need a Facebook account to view videos.