How is your spiritual life at this point in time? In what ways do you cultivate your soul? - Daily Bible Reflections November 15,2015

IN PREPARATION   “In the same way, when you see these things happening, know that he is near, at the gates.” – Mark 13:29          Though it’s still wintertime as I write this, temperatures have been warming up early for spring, warm enough for ants to know that it’s time to come out of their nests to raid our bathroom and kitchen again. Very smart, these ants. They communicate with each other, build underground “cities,” and they don’t waste time gathering food in preparation for the next winter season.        Ant behavior is tied to the weather. Like most other creatures that are of lesser intelligence, they survive by using their senses. We humans, however, are the most intelligent creatures of the Earth yet our intelligence causes us to analyze too much, thus hindering us from recognizing the signs of the times.        In Mark chapter 13, Jesus speaks about the signs of the end that have been upon us for many years — warring nations, earthquakes, famines. How are we preparing our souls? The end of days may not happen in our lifetime, but surely our lives will come to an end.        Like the ants, let’s use our time on Earth wisely by nurturing our souls so that when the winter of life is over, we’ll be ready to meet our Maker. Nova A. Sevilla (nova.svp@gmail.com)   Reflection: How is your spiritual life at this point in time? In what ways do you cultivate your soul?   Heavenly Father, may I make it a daily goal to beautify my soul in preparation for meeting You when my time comes.   St. Albert the Great, bishop and doctor of the Church, pray for us.