It is 26th November 2020. We celebrate the memorial of St. John Berchmans, the patron of Altar Servers. The readings are from Revelation 18:1-2, 21-23, 19:1-3, 9; and the Gospel from Luke 21:20-28
Just a few days to complete the liturgical year, we continue to reflect the struggle against the evil.
In every struggle, pain, pandemic, and suffering that is going on in us and around will come to an end. During the time of loneliness, persecutions, rejection and numbing situations of life, let us not give up on ourselves and on God. There is going to be joy, jubilation, and celebration for all of us who have been persevering in the faith.
The evil cannot have the final word in our life and in the world. We do not need to be afraid of any evil because God protects us. We all are blessed by the very invitation we have received from the Lord. God sends the invitation to be grateful for all that we have received. Forgetting to thank God is indeed the refusal to acknowledge God’s goodness in our lives.
The responsorial Psalm praises, “Blessed are they who are called to the wedding feast of the Lamb.” (Rev.19:9).
A constant watch and preparedness are the keys to our spiritual welfare. Truth, love, and mercy of God never disappear even if all the material world in front of our eyes would go away. God’s timing of coming in our lives is through Jesus. We need to be on guard always and remain prepared to face God. We are always assured that “because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” (1 Jn. 4:4). It is our sole responsibility to be prepared until we face the Lord. To face the Lord without fear, we need to live in hope and charity facing the most vulnerable, the less fortunate ones, and the poor daily and be of a beacon of hope to them. Many disturbing and destructive things are bound to happen to shake our faith. “Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” (Lk.21:28). May you have a lovely day. God bless you.