In the twinkling of an eye the year is soon coming to a close. How sad it is if we have taken the love of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ for granted. How sad indeed if we had fallen to sin but chose instead to remain oblivious, instead of seeking reconciliation with Him who patiently waits to set us free. For we were made to live life to full in His love, not to whither and die in our sins.
Wake up! All you who have fallen asleep! Advent is fast approaching and it is time to stay awake! Let us be penitent for our shortcomings and turn our hearts back to Jesus. For we truly do not know the hour when He will come again. But if we stand ready to greet Him when He comes, surely we will partake in our Master’s joy whose mercy, peace and love abounds!
Lord Jesus I stand ready to serve You and my brethren, come into my life Lord Jesus Come. Amen
First reading
Romans 5:12,15,17-21
Divine grace, coming through Jesus Christ, came as an abundant free gift
Sin entered the world through one man, and through sin death, and thus death has spread through the whole human race because everyone has sinned; but the gift itself considerably outweighed the fall. If it is certain that through one man’s fall so many died, it is even more certain that divine grace, coming through the one man, Jesus Christ, came to so many as an abundant free gift. If it is certain that death reigned over everyone as the consequence of one man’s fall, it is even more certain that one man, Jesus Christ, will cause everyone to reign in life who receives the free gift that he does not deserve, of being made righteous. Again, as one man’s fall brought condemnation on everyone, so the good act of one man brings everyone life and makes them justified. As by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by one man’s obedience many will be made righteous. When law came, it was to multiply the opportunities of failing, but however great the number of sins committed, grace was even greater; and so, just as sin reigned wherever there was death, so grace will reign to bring eternal life thanks to the righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Gospel
Luke 12:35-38
Be dressed for action and have your lamps lit
Jesus said to his disciples:
‘See that you are dressed for action and have your lamps lit. Be like men waiting for their master to return from the wedding feast, ready to open the door as soon as he comes and knocks. Happy those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes. I tell you solemnly, he will put on an apron, sit them down at table and wait on them. It may be in the second watch he comes, or in the third, but happy those servants if he finds them ready.’
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