It is 28th November 2020.
The readings are from Revelation 22:1-7; and the Gospel from Luke 21:34-36.
We are on the last day of our liturgical year. We reflect on the end times and a new life in the Spirit to experience the unlimited joy.
We are invited to enter from darkness to light, from temporary to permanence, from sinfulness to sacredness, from addiction to freedom and from living to witnessing.
The first reading illustrates us about the new earth and heavenly Jerusalem. The river of life refers to the Holy Spirit. When we live our life in the Spirit, we become fruitful. (Gal 5:22)
As there were followers marked by the beast, the father of lies, so there are followers marked and owned by the Lamb and the Father who have not compromised their faith, ready to suffer persecution and willing to give their life for faith in Christ. They are the martyrs of Christ, the ultimate witness, the first fruits, a new leaven, light and salt and nucleus of the final kingdom.
These first followers of the lamb never allowed lies pass through their lips opposed to those who after the beast and its lies. St. Paul pointed out that they, “exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshipped and served the creature rather than the Creator” (Rom 1:25).
We too are marked by the Sacrament of Baptism, God’s sign of ownership on us. That is not enough; our faithfulness to the Gospel, integrity, and total commitment in living in the light all through our life. we are privileged to see the face of God, and the light of God will shine on us.
The Gospel encourages to be faithful to God through our regular communication in prayers.
Our personal prayer life coupled with the corporal works of mercy we can shine among people. Prayer is the stamina of the soul. Prayer is our fidelity to God and a sincere concern towards the humanity around. To be fully prepared, we need to live in the presence and awareness of God.
What are things we do and say make our lives coarsened?
Let us enter the Advent, the second Lent with enthusiasm to welcome Jesus. Maranatha come Lord Jesus. May we fix our eyes on Jesus and avoid all the hindrance of sin to experience the promised glory in Him. May you have a lovely day. God bless you.