The victory over death and sin has already been won by our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. We who have yet to be reunited with Him in Heaven, need not fear. For we have the Holy Spirit to guide us in all matters. Be it speaking or acting in our defence when facing persecution or obstacles.
If we should die for or in Him, we shall rise with Him. For our Lord assures us that our endurance will win us our lives.
Lord find me faithful, now and always. Amen
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First reading
Apocalypse 15:1-4 ·
The victors sang the hymn of Moses and of the Lamb
What I, John, saw in heaven was a great and wonderful sign: seven angels were bringing the seven plagues that are the last of all, because they exhaust the anger of God. I seemed to see a glass lake suffused with fire, and standing by the lake of glass, those who had fought against the beast and won, and against his statue and the number which is his name. They all had harps from God, and they were singing the hymn of Moses, the servant of God, and of the Lamb:
‘How great and wonderful are all your works,
Lord God Almighty;
just and true are all your ways,
King of nations.
Who would not revere and praise your name, O Lord?
You alone are holy,
and all the pagans will come and adore you
for the many acts of justice you have shown.’
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Gospel
Luke 21:12-19
Your endurance will win you your lives
Jesus said to his disciples: ‘Men will seize you and persecute you; they will hand you over to the synagogues and to imprisonment, and bring you before kings and governors because of my name – and that will be your opportunity to bear witness. Keep this carefully in mind: you are not to prepare your defence, because I myself shall give you an eloquence and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to resist or contradict. You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, relations and friends; and some of you will be put to death. You will be hated by all men on account of my name, but not a hair of your head will be lost. Your endurance will win you your lives.’
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