Israel bitterly mourned for his son, Joseph, whom he assumed to be dead. "Though his sons and daughters tried to console him, he refused all consolation, saying, ‘No, I will go down mourning to my son in the nether world.' Thus did his father lament him" (Gn 37:35). After fifteen years of intense grief, Israel found out that Joseph was alive. "He was dumbfounded; he could not believe them" (Gn 45:26). Israel set out to see Joseph. When Joseph met his father, "he flung himself on his neck and wept a long time in his arms" (Gn 46:29). A miraculous, happy ending!
If you are a Christian, the Lord warns of the possibility that your enemies will arrest and flog you (Mt 10:17). They will bring you to trial, and you will be betrayed by your parents, children, or family (Mt 10:21). "You will be hated by all" (Mt 10:22). However, in the end, you shall see Jesus face to face and bear His name on your foreheads. The Lord will lead you "to springs of life-giving water, and God will wipe every tear from" your eyes (Rv 7:17). Another miraculous ending!
Jesus was tortured, crucified, and murdered. Then on the third day, Jesus rose from the dead. "At nightfall, weeping enters in, but with the dawn, rejoicing" (Ps 30:6). The ultimate, happy ending!
The mass apostasy is approaching (2 Thes 2:3). The world may end soon. "The present heavens and earth are reserved by God's word for fire" (2 Pt 3:7). "The Lord Himself will come down from heaven" (1 Thes 4:16). Another miraculous ending?
| PRAYER: | Father, give me special graces at the hour of my death or at the end of the world. |
| PROMISE: | "Whoever holds out till the end will escape death."–Mt 10:22 |
| PRAISE: | St. Kateri was burdened with sickness and persecution from her own people, but endured in her commitment to Christ Jesus. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College