Friday 28^th November – Friday of week 34 of the year

Reflections: Apocalypse 20: 1-4, 11- 21:2

PREPARING FOR THE END

In the past few days the Church has been drawing our attention to the end of time. When we think of death or of the end of the world, there is a tendency to be afraid of what is to come. The prospect of having to stand before God in judgement and the uncertainty of what eternity will be like is so great that we often do not want to think about it.

Today’s readings however, should bring us hope rather than fear, as it tells us that those who are faithful to Christ will reign with Him. (Apocalypse 20:4). Indeed when all is said and done, we would win a crown of life eternal. This news warms the heart and should fill us with the zeal to live the life of love and faithfulness to which Christ calls us. We must bear in mind that we are to be judged nothing else but the way we have lived our lives on earth (Apocalypse 20: 12-13).

Dear friends, all that we need for salvation is at our disposal. How ready are we to cooperate with God’s immense grace which He gives us in order to live in holiness? We are all aware that the end is inevitable and each day of our lives brings us closer to the end. The choice of where we would spend eternity lies in our hands, in our readiness to respond to God’s grace.

Scripture tells us that eyes have not seen, ears have not heard, neither has it entered the heart of man, what God has in store for them that love him. This reality should fill our hearts with great awe and longing; a longing for our celestial home, a longing to see God, just as he truly is and that longing should strengthen us in our quest for holiness. (cf 1 John 3:2-3). Let us use the privilege of each new day on earth to prepare for eternity. Heaven is worth our labour, our life and our death, for in the end, all that matters is whether we are there or not (St Josemaria Escriva). “Let us courageously then, work and labour, with our hearts set on heaven, our one and only true goal” St Therese of Lisieux.

PRAYER: Lord, you have made us for yourself, may we come to find rest only in you, and for all eternity. Amen.

KNOW YOUR FAITH: CCC 1016: By death, the soul is separated from the body, but in the resurrection, God will give incorruptible life to our body, transformed by the reunion with our soul. Just as Christ is risen and loves forever, so all of us will rise at the last day.

HIDE A TREASURE: “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away” Luke 21: 33 RSV-CE

Readings for Today: Apocalypse 20: 1-4, 11- 21:2; Psalm 84: 3-8; Luke 21: 29-33