By: Dave Nodar

As a child, I was told how to boil a frog to death. If you place a frog in boiling water, it will be shocked by the temperature and jump out. But if you place it in lukewarm water and slowly increase the temperature until it boils, the frog won't notice the change in temperature and it will die. 

The tragic events we see on the news and witness firsthand in our cities can numb us. Like the frog in the lukewarm water, we may not recognize the signs of the times. But the Lord wants us to recognize them with urgency.

What shall we do? Look what St. Paul says to the church in Ephesus:

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the most of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

Ephesians 5:15-17

1. Walk wisely.

Recognize that the days we live in are evil, therefore walk wisely. Live a lifestyle that is surrendered to the Lord of history, who most certainly will come again. Jesus is calling us and empowering us to live every hour of every day learning to do the will of our Father. 

2. Abide in Him.

To understand His will, we need to abide in Him. We need to stay close to Jesus and seek the will of our Father. We must grow in personal union with Him in daily life—through personal prayer, committed reading of Scripture, frequent reception of the sacraments, and ongoing fellowship with brothers and sisters who also want to follow Him.

3. Intercede.

Intercede for the Spirit of God to sweep through the nations like a tsunami of mercy bringing repentance, faith, and the forgiveness of sins.

4. Share the Gospel.

Continue together as brothers and sisters to share the Gospel with people in our every day normal lives. People are increasing in hunger, fear, and desperation. They need to know that just as Jesus has changed our lives, He can change theirs. People need the joy, peace, and hope that the Lord offers to us in the midst of these trying times as we come to know, love and serve him.

Let's join in commitment to our Lord and his Church to advance His will!

Photo by Joshua Davis on Unsplash