Luke 21: 5-19

You know that moment when your partner, children or your colleagues take you a little bit for granted? You know that moment. Well, do you know that they actually don't, you think they do because our world conditions us to want recognition.

I know that after returning my children from their music lessons, I wonder so much why they don't thank me for taking them, that I often miss the many times that they do.

I wonder why it is we seek so much recognition, thanks and enjoy making it known that we have done something selfless?

The Gospel at mass this Sunday was challenging. Especially verses 10 - 17, I mean why would someone even want to be a Christian if that's what's coming. War, Famine, Persecution. destroyed relationships between " parents and brothers and sisters, and relatives and friends." (Luke 21: 16)

We want what we give out, kindness, fairness and justice.

• When our colleagues don't thank us for a job well done, we get upset because we would have thanked them.

• When our children don't recognise our sacrifice, we get sad because we would recognise their sacrifice.

• When our partner doesn't acknowledge the time we did take the bin out, we get offended because we would notice when they do it.

The reality is that it is too easy to get caught up in our own lives because we are so busy and tired that we lose sight of what a relationship is about, for a brief moment. We become the people who were

"speaking of the Temple, how it was adorned with noble stones and offerings." (Luke 21: 5)

We are caught up in the exterior of our lives that we lose sight of the interior of others lives.

What if we were to use that "mouth and wisdom" that God gave us? What if we were to speak truth and honesty, but at the same time recognise that we are not perfect either.

• When we get upset - Pray

• When we don't get recognised - Pray

• When we don't get acknowledged for our work - Pray.

Jesus, here am I, a Sinner.

Help me to grow in patience with those around me.

Help me to be a witness to you through your love.

Help me to understand the suffering in others.

Grant me the endurance to persevere.

Amen.

Share your thoughts on the Gospel this week below.