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One Bread, One Body - Reflection for November 17, 2024

"HE IS NEAR" (MK 13:29)

"Then men will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory. He will dispatch His angels and assemble His chosen." –Mark 13:26-27

In these last two weeks of the Church year, the Church pays special attention to the Second Coming of Christ. Focusing on Jesus' return in power is critical for our life in Christ and our spiritual well-being.

Some readers of One Bread, One Body live in foreign countries and are actively persecuted for their faith in Jesus. Some of our foreign printers and distributors risk their lives regularly to spread God's Word. If you "face death every day" (1 Cor 15:31) for your life of courageous faith, be encouraged. The Lord Jesus will always have the final word. Your Redeemer lives, and your eyes will see Him (Jb 19:25, 27). "He is near, even at the door" (Mk 13:29; Rv 3:20), and you will see Him coming with great power and glory to vindicate you (Mk 13:26-27). "Stand erect and hold your heads high, for your deliverance is near at hand" (Lk 21:28).

For those who don't live for the Lord, Jesus' Second Coming will not be humble and meek as was His first coming. There will be no gentle Infant lying in an obscure manger. His Second Coming will shake the cosmos in "great power and glory" (Mk 13:26; cf 2 Pt 3:10). Few noticed Him in Bethlehem; this time "every eye shall see Him, even of those who" reject Him (Rv 1:7). He will come as Judge (Jas 5:9). Therefore, repent now before it's too late! Reconcile with Jesus now, for you know not the day nor the hour of His return (Mk 13:32).

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, may I know You as Savior as well as Judge.
PROMISE: "You will show me the path to life, fullness of joys in Your presence, the delights at Your right hand forever." –Ps 16:11
PRAISE: Praise the risen Jesus, Who will come again in glory!

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Acknowledgement

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