Nothing like the real thing

Readings for Thursday November 12, 2009

Memorial of Saint Josaphat, bishop and martyr

First Reading: Wisdom 7:22-8:1
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 119
Gospel: Luke 17:20-25


Then he said to his disciples, “The days will come when you will long to see one of the days of the Son of Man, but you will not see it. There will be those who will say to you, ‘Look, there he is,’ or ‘Look, here he is.’ Do not go off, do not run in pursuit. For just as lightning flashes and lights up the sky from one side to the other, so will the Son of Man be in his day. (Lk 17:22-24)

In 1968 Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell released the song "Ain't nothing like the real thing." Now, in the song the duet is singing about having the person you love right there with you rather than just looking at a picture or talking on the phone. I think this song gives us a great line to think about in our lives, because when it comes to the one thing in life that will bring us peace, joy, happiness, and eternal life; then there ain't nothing like the real thing ... and that is Jesus Christ.

Jesus tells His disciples that they should be on guard about false claims about Him, and that they should accept nothing but the real thing. The same is true for us, there are many things in this world that will try to distract us and will try to be "god" in our lives, but we must not fall for these things. We must not be willing to go and chase the latest fad, or follow the newest trend; for the things of the world are just empty substitutes. The only thing in life that will truly being us the fulfillment and purpose that we long for is a life following Christ ... the real thing.

Christ is the only thing guaranteed in this world, and we should not be content to accept any other substitutes in our lives. May we always remember that there ain't nothing like the real thing.

Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, thank you so much for our lives, and for bringing us to this point. Help us to grow in our faith more, to become better servants of you in this life. Help us to strive and continuing persevering through the lives you have called us to. May we never stop sacrificing and surrendering to your will. Lord, you are so good to us and we thank you for your great love and mercy. We pray for all families and marriages in the world. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.