THURSDAY OF THE 21ST WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR (A)
MYSTERY OF THE DAY: Luminous
CELEBRATION OF THE DAY: Ferial
TABLE OF THE WORD: 1 Thessalonians 3:7-13; Matthew 24:42-51.
THEME: Be watchful!
THE WORD:
‘Watch for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming..” (Matthew 24:42)
One of the elements that spurs success in every test or hunt is preparation. That is to be successful one must be prepared, the preparation here entails hardworking and be conscious of the task ahead.
Evangelist Matthew in today's gospel pericope presents before us the teaching of our Lord about the day-of-days where the Son of man will return in glory. The day prophets, priests, evangelists and many other gospel men and women have talked about. Here our Lord spoke in clear terms:
‘Watch for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming..” (Matthew 24:42)
This however calls for adequate preparations to behold the beauty of that day, if not if it will meet us in our unpreparedness and we will certainly bound to loose it out.
On the other hand, perseverance in faith also serves as the foundation for this preparedness, that is why St. Paul in his exhortation to the Thessalonians Church says:
"Brethren, in all our distress and affliction we have been comforted about you through your faith; for now we live, if you stand fast in the Lord." (1 Thessalonians 3:7-8).
INSPIRATION
Beloved in Christ, the fundamental question for us this morning is: If all the social media platforms, the International and local dailies carry the message of the coming of the Lord saying: "The Lord will come next two days" what will you be doing?
Certainly, some may pack into the church so as to run away from evil tendencies, many will make amends both with God and humanity, while others will continue with whatever they are doing?
Therefore, which of the camps do we belong? The answer is yours.
St. Paul in another place re-emphasized the need for preparation whlle addressing the Corinthians: “Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.” (1 Corinthians 16:13). And in his admonition to the Colossians he says:
“Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.” (Colossians 4:2). While St. Peter has this to say:
“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8).
Finally dearest friend in Christ, be prepared with perseverance in faith no matter how odd and tough it may be for the hour or moment He will come remains hidden from us.
Peace be with you!
PRAYER
Eternal.Word, in gratitude we thank You for the many blessings we receive from You. Grant we pray the grace to forge ahead with perseverance in faith so that we will be ever ready to behold that great day-of-days.Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
+ May the Lord in His infinite mercy bless and keep us, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.
(c) The ARCHIVE 31082023
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