“I know how to live in humble circumstances; I know also how to live with abundance.”

Those words from St. Paul were perfect for me this morning.

I know something about abundance. God has blessed me beyond measure. But what about those days when things don’t go my way?

Yesterday, my football team lost. I had taken a vacation to go see them play, so naturally I was disappointed. I even caught myself worrying that the loss might put a damper on the rest of the trip.

But then I thought about it. We had a good time, met some nice people, and it didn’t even rain during the game!

And here I am disappointed.

Today’s Psalm says, “My cup overflows.”

Boy, does it ever!

But the Gospel took me a little further.

Jesus tells the parable of the wedding feast. The king sends his servants to gather everyone, good and bad alike.

Then he finds a man without a wedding garment and has him removed.

That seemed strange to me.

Was that man one of the good people or bad people? Scripture doesn’t say.

But he wasn’t prepared for the feast.

And that got me thinking. Am I prepared for God’s invitation on both good days and bad days?

Isaiah tells us to rejoice because God has saved us. The Psalm reminds us that our cup overflows. And Paul reminds us that we can live through both abundance and hardship with Christ’s strength.

It’s easy to recognize God’s blessings when everything goes my way. But I can’t let disappointment get in the way of being ready for Him.

So my prayer today is simple.

Lord, help me recognize Your blessings even when things don’t go my way. Give me the fortitude to remain faithful, the charity to love well, and the grace to be present. Help me always be prepared for Your invitation.

When things don’t go your way, do you let disappointment get in the way of seeing God’s blessings and answering His invitation?

I pray you get the graces you need today.

Keep up the good fight.

I’m praying for you. Please pray for me.

Scripture: Isaiah 25:6-10a | Psalm 23:1-6 | Philippians 4:12-14, 19-20 | Matthew 22:1-14