Friday of Week 32 in Ordinary Time
Wis 13:1-9
Lk 17:26-37
how have they been so slow to find its Master?
There was a time when weekends meant rest, quiet, and catching up with family and friends. But all that changed when I left corporate life and became a property consultant earlier this year. Now, weekends are often my busiest time — filled with client meetings, property viewings, and endless messages as I strive to establish myself in this new career. I pour so much energy and focus into becoming successful and, if I’m honest, sometimes the ‘business of life’ takes over my mind and heart completely.
I recently realised how easy it is to be swept up in the rhythms and demands of work. I’ve been so preoccupied with chasing targets, nurturing relationships, and building my reputation that I’ve forgotten about the very One who made all these possibilities real. All the good things — gifts, opportunities, health, even the ambition stirring in me — come from God. Yet I was more entranced by the gifts than the Giver Himself.
This struck me powerfully in the first reading from the Book of Wisdom. The scripture calls us ‘stupid’ when we admire the wonders of this world — nature, beauty, success — but neglect to recognise the Creator behind them. It’s a sobering reminder that as much as I invest in this earthly journey, our time here is just a tiny fraction of the life God has planned for us. If my deepest focus is just on worldly success, the truth is, I am missing the bigger picture — and, in a way, living foolishly.
The readings from Luke intensified this lesson for me. The people during Noah’s and Lot’s days were not evil villains — they were just living, working, eating, getting married, and carrying on with life. But they became so attached to the ‘business of life’ that they couldn’t see beyond it. Lot’s wife, even after being warned, looked back with longing and lost herself to that attachment. I see a warning for myself here — when I am so bound to my routines, comforts, or achievements, I risk missing what God is calling me to and may even be harmed by my own attachments.
Reflecting on these scriptures, I am reminded to stop and ask: where are my eyes truly fixed? Am I fully open to the Holy Spirit’s promptings? Or has daily busyness stolen my attention from God? Today, I want to turn my gaze back to Him — to the Giver, not just His gifts. I pray for the grace to be more open, less distracted, able to savour His presence even amid a packed calendar. May we all accept this invitation: to loosen our grip on success or busyness, to be attentive to God’s voice, and to let the Holy Spirit lead us from mere survival to true purpose and joy.
(Today’s OXYGEN by Paul Wee)
Prayer: Lord, help me to recognise Your presence in my busy life and not lose sight of You amid my daily work. Open my heart, Holy Spirit, so I may walk with You and turn my eyes back to You.
Thanksgiving: Thank You, Lord, for every blessing and opportunity, and for guiding me each step of the way. Fill me with gratitude, and remind me always to praise the Giver, above all gifts.
OXYGEN 
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