October 20, Tuesday Weekday

Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.--Psalm 40:8 and 9

Mass readings: Romans 5:12,15,17-19,20-21 / Luke 12:35-38

Piled High

We didn't go out to restaurants very often when I was a child. That rare treat was even more enjoyable when the destination was an all-you-can-eat buffet. Always, before entering or as we lined up to get our trays, my father would lean in and remind my four siblings and me, ''Skip the garbage. Eat the meat.'' He meant don't load our plates with salad or bread. They didn't cost much. We could stuff ourselves on those at home. Instead, get as much of the higher-priced items -- roast beef, ham, turkey -- as possible.

In today's first reading St. Paul tells us that through Christ's sacrifice, God has offered us an ''abundance of grace.'' We can pile our plates, we call fill our lives and our souls, with as much as we want.

Prayer: Lord, help me hunger for You more.