The first reading reminds us that God will keep his promises, even if it seems to us he has forgotten them. The Psalm reminds us how wonderful the Lord is as he has blessed us and shown his kindness to those who keep his covenant. The second reading reminds us of the need to strengthen our hearts and our faith for the difficulties we will be having. It reminds us of our need to stand holy before God. The Gospel exhorts us to “Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life.” Do we allow the cares of today diminish our faith or cause us to weaken? How do we keep the faith strong in the midst of today’s challenges?