Thursday of week 25 in Ordinary Time
First reading: Haggai 1:1-8
Through the prophet Haggai, the Lord confronts His people with the emptiness of human endeavors pursued without Him. They worked hard, but their efforts yielded little; they built houses for themselves while neglecting the house of God. The message is clear: when we seek fulfillment in our own projects, detached from God’s glory, our lives remain unsatisfied and restless. True fulfillment is not found in possessions, success, or endless striving, but in aligning our lives with the Lord’s will and giving Him the first place. The people of Israel were called to rebuild the Temple, not merely as a building, but as a sign that God belonged at the center of their lives. In the same way, we are invited to examine what we prioritize. We must honor the Lord by placing His glory at the heart of all we do without seeking our own comfort and recognition.Only His way fills the emptiness; only His presence transforms our work into lasting joy. Let’s reflect: Am I seeking fulfillment in my own projects and comforts, or am I placing God’s glory at the center of my life, trusting that only His presence can satisfy my heart?

Don Giorgio