Today’s gospel concludes with a call to “Stay awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour that you will be called to the banquet of eternal life.” One important way in which we stay awake to God is by prayer. In prayer we become receptive to God’s presence within us. Prayer is our time for a personal conversation with a loving God. This year we observed Veterans Day on Saturday, November 11, 2017. Veterans Day is a day set aside for us to honor and thank all military personnel who serve and/or have served the United States in peace and time of war. This weekend let us keep in our thoughts and prayers those who are proudly called Veterans. Thank you for your service. May God Bless you as you have blessed us with your service and sacrifice.