Thursday of the 34th week in the ordinary time
Rev. 18: 1-2.21-23; 19: 1-3.9a Luke 21: 20-28
Theme: Perseverance in faith
In the two readings we have today, we continue to get the admonition on the end of time. As the liturgical year and the calendar year gradually comes to an end, we are reminded of the fact that anything that has a beginning must surely have an end. So, we must be mindful of this fact and take responsibility for the choices we make. In view of this, there is no better time for us to evaluate how we have lived our lives from the beginning of the year to this time. This will go a long way to help us make the right decisions and choices as we prepare to begin another liturgical and calendar year in no distant time.
In the 1st reading from the Book of Revelation, we are presented with the fall of Babylon, and in the Gospel reading we are presented with the fall of Jerusalem. They both point out the challenges and difficulties that will accompany the end time. This information we have in our readings today, should help us to make the right choices and decision, so that we can prepare ourselves properly for the end. Knowing fully well that there is going to be a time when we must give account of how responsible we have been with the things and opportunities that God has given to us. The readings we have today should not scare us, but rather help us to prepare for the coming of the end of time. This is very important, because it is not something we can wish away, the time will come. When it is going to happen, and how it will happen, is what we do not know, but it will certainly happen.
Dear friends in Christ, the admonitions we have in our readings today should be taken seriously by all of us as children of God, and the best way to do this is by making the right choices in our lives and by living a life that is good and always pleasing in the sight of God. It is not going to be an easy journey, but if we do our best and trust on God’s grace, it will be possible. We live in difficult times, but we serve a God that has all the answers and solutions that we seek. Just do your best and trust in God. As you do this, may almighty God bless you in the name of the father and of the son and of the holy spirit. Amen. Peace be with you.