On this last day of the Church's year, we read about the last day of all years. This last day is called the "great day." Jesus warns us: "The great day will suddenly close in on you like a trap. The day I speak of will come upon all who dwell on the face of the earth" (Lk 21:34-35). If we watch and pray constantly for strength, we will stand secure before Jesus as He returns to take us off this burning planet into the perfect happiness of heaven (Lk 21:36; see also 2 Pt 3:10).
The last day will be great for us if we are strong. We will be strong if we pray constantly. We will pray constantly if we are "on the watch." "Therefore, let us not be asleep like the rest, but awake and sober!" (1 Thes 5:6) We must "stay sober and alert," for "your opponent the devil is prowling like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour" (1 Pt 5:8). "Be on guard lest your spirits become bloated with indulgence and drunkenness and worldly cares" (Lk 21:34). "Stay awake, therefore! You cannot know the day your Lord is coming" (Mt 24:42). "Be on guard, and pray that you may not undergo the test" (Mt 26:41).
We must be ready for this last day of the Church's year to be the last day of our lives or the last day of all. Watch and pray.
| PRAYER: | Jesus, come back today or as soon as possible. Maranatha! (Come, Lord Jesus!) (see Rv 22:20) |
| PROMISE: | "The kingship and dominion and majesty of all the kingdoms under the heavens shall be given to the holy people of the Most High, Whose kingdom shall be everlasting." –Dn 7:27 |
| PRAISE: | Brian exhorts young people to use the Sacrament of Reconciliation and embrace new life. |
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