September 1, Tuesday Weekday

I believe that I shall see the good things of the Lord in the land of the living.--Psalm 27:13

Mass readings: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6,9-11 / Luke 4:31-37

You Snooze, You Lose

In our still ailing economy, that snappy rejoinder about ''snoozing and losing'' is heard often. Part put-down and part real-life observation, it offers a punchy warning about the risks of missing golden opportunities. It's not really wrong or unChristian to urge someone to act quickly when worthwhile jobs or projects present themselves. In fact, that's the thinking behind today's reading from 1 Thessalonians.

God offers us so many opportunities to grow in faith. As September and autumn begin, maybe we can all consider new ministries, new ways to serve God and our brothers and sisters. At least, we could be cheerleaders in the faith, jumping up to ''encourage one another and build one another up.'' Stay alert! Refuse to snooze . . . when God's work needs doing.

Prayer: God, help me to see that love is an active verb. Energize my faith!