It is 18th November 2020. We celebrate the memorial of Dedication of Basilicas of Sts. Peter and Paul.
The readings are from Revelations 4:1-11; and the Gospel from Luke 19:11-28.
Whenever the faithful are persecuted, they look for a sign or an image to depict their pain and suffering symbolically with the mysterious meaning and injecting hope. The book of Revelation is full of prophetic visions full of meaning
The vision of Heaven, 24 thrones representing priestly minsters from 12 tribes of Israel, and there are four creatures appear representing the four directions, their strength such as the most noble, strong, wise and swift and St. Irenaeus, ascribes them to the Evangelists. Namely, the lion for Mark, the ox for Luke, the man for Matthew, and the eagle for John.
In our life, we need to value God’s magnificence and might in surrendering ourselves in silence and prayer allowing to feel the presence of God as we face situations that we cannot comprehend with our limited reason.
The responsorial Psalm acclaims, “Holy, holy, holy Lord, mighty God.”
‘I tell you, to all those who have, more will be given; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away.” (Lk.19:26).
We are all entrusted with so much by God. It is our due responsibility to put in use for the glory and spread of the kingdom. By using them more, we acquire more. Our generosity and hard work contribute to multiply whatever is entrusted to us. With God, and our personal effort we can help others selfless. Our attitude towards money, wealth, professional status reveals whether we value others especially those who are in need and less fortunate than us. It is not accumulating makes us great person but our sharing, and willingness to make others feel God. By helping, we might be cheated, abused, and taken for a ride yet we need to boldly take a risk in sharing that bring someone closer to God. The gift of faith needs to share to be strengthened. Our love and reverence for God in no way lead us to forget the people around. Revering God and respecting and loving people are the tracks by which our lives need to travel all through until we reach the Heaven. May you have a lovely day. God bless you.