Let me share a sobering truth with you, there are many in this world who are troubled by the cares and wiles of the world. And so they turn to alcohol, drugs, sex, shopping, food, gaming as their form of escapism. Many of these do not yet know Jesus, many do but have a lukewarm compartmentalised faith; while others who claim to know Him even openly ‘show’ others that they do, in reality have a shallow relationship with Him for they often take the Lord their God for granted. They will stick to their routine timing for prayers often devotionals, more as a means to strike off their todolist That is why they would rather seek the company of friends than spend time with Him alone or with Him present in a community of disciples.
For true disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ who have a deep relationship with Him know without reservation that the peace, love and joy which the world seeks is to be found in Him alone! Therefore they seek each and everyday to remain awake in His presence, and to grow in their faith and love of Him. To love and honour Him, they strive to share in His love by putting said love into action; in service of others especially those who do not yet know Him. To see His face in those they serve, the sick, the downtrodden, especially those who are very difficult to love! For God our Heavenly Father’s Kingdom is at hand and we journey as One carrying one another on our backs if we have to, so that all of us can enter through the saving grace of His Son our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ. Amen
First reading
Apocalypse 22:1-7 ·
The Lord God will shine on them; it will never be night again
The angel showed me, John, the river of life, rising from the throne of God and of the Lamb and flowing crystal-clear down the middle of the city street. On either side of the river were the trees of life, which bear twelve crops of fruit in a year, one in each month, and the leaves of which are the cure for the pagans.
The ban will be lifted. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in its place in the city; his servants will worship him, they will see him face to face, and his name will be written on their foreheads. It will never be night again and they will not need lamplight or sunlight, because the Lord God will be shining on them. They will reign for ever and ever.
The angel said to me, ‘All that you have written is sure and will come true: the Lord God who gives the spirit to the prophets has sent his angel to reveal to his servants what is soon to take place. Very soon now, I shall be with you again.’ Happy are those who treasure the prophetic message of this book.
Gospel
Luke 21:34-36
That day will be sprung on you suddenly, like a trap
Jesus said to his disciples:
‘Watch yourselves, or your hearts will be coarsened with debauchery and drunkenness and the cares of life, and that day will be sprung on you suddenly, like a trap. For it will come down on every living man on the face of the earth. Stay awake, praying at all times for the strength to survive all that is going to happen, and to stand with confidence before the Son of Man.’
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