Therefore, stay awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour.

The scripture passages I read today are found in 1 Corinthians 1:17-25, Psalm 33:1-11, and Matthew 25:1-13. My favorite verse is 1 Corinthians 1:18 "For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." which I have committed to memory. I found myself in many situations when I recalled this verse (and remind myself of carrying the cross) and found great comfort. History has shown us that political systems didn't bring about world peace but God's people, moved and empowered by the Holy Spirit, have brought schools, hospitals, and food programs to the much needed areas of the world. I love telling my own story that growing up poor in Kowloon City (the Walled City), who would build a school there in the slum to help the impoverished children and supply them with a bag of noodles every week and a large can of oil every month? It's the Catholic Church. My life was shaped by these dedicated people who nurtured me (my body and mind) to what I am today.

For it is written:, ‘I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,
    and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.’ (1 Cor 1:19)

 I have been following a number of speakers on Youtube lately.

Jordan Peterson:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EFWrLx8b2mQ

especially on his view on Free speech and Political Correctness:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYHpJj-ZJOU

Dr. Sri on Moral Relativism:
https://www.augustineinstitute.org/encounter/

Understanding of Islam and Jihad
(Robert Spencer) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SAuS3K5Qdq4
(David Wood) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPBUlZPE95c

This is all part of a discipline that I want to develop in my retirement - to understand the schemes of the devil and to equip myself to face it for the rest of my days.

"Discipline yourselves; keep alert. Like a roaring lion your adversary the devil prowls around, looking for someone to devour." (1 Peter 5:8)

And,
"Therefore, stay awake,
for you know neither the day nor the hour." (Matthew 25:13)

And I pray this every day: