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(Heb. 7, 1–6; Luke 21, 28–33) “Take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with gluttony and drunkenness and the cares of this life, and lest that day come upon you suddenly” (Luke 21:34). “That day,” that is, the last day of the world or of each of us, comes like a thief and seizes like a net; That’s why the Lord commands: “Watch therefore at all times and pray” (Luke 21:36). And since satiety and over-concern are the first enemies of vigil and prayer, it is also indicated in advance not to allow yourself to become burdened with food, drink and the sorrows of everyday life. Whoever ate, drank, had fun, slept, slept and did the same again, what kind of vigil should he have? Whoever is busy day and night with the same things of life has no time for prayer? “What,” you say, “should we do? It is impossible to live without food; and it must be obtained. That's the concern." - Yes, the Lord did not say: do not work, do not eat, do not drink, but “let not your heart be burdened with this.” Work with your hands and keep your heart free; eat - eat, but do not burden yourself with food; and drink wine when necessary, but do not let your head and heart become indignant. Separate your outer from your inner and make the latter the work of your life, and the first an ancillary: there be your attention and heart, but here only your body, hands, feet and eyes: “Watch at all times and pray,” so that you may be worthy to stand fearlessly before the Son of Man. In order to be worthy of this, you must here, in your life, establish yourself before the Lord, and for this there is only one means - vigorous prayer in the heart, performed with the mind. Whoever tunes in this way will not find “that day” suddenly. You might be interested in: