Faith Daily | 22 November 2022

PRAYER of the DAY - APBA p605

Stir up, we pray you, O Lord,

the wills of your faithful people,

that they, plenteously bringing forth the fruit of good works,

may by you be plenteously rewarded;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

GOSPEL for the Day: Luke 21: 5-11

5 When some were speaking about the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and gifts dedicated to God, he said, 6‘As for these things that you see, the days will come when not one stone will be left upon another; all will be thrown down.’

7 They asked him, ‘Teacher, when will this be, and what will be the sign that this is about to take place?’ 8And he said, ‘Beware that you are not led astray; for many will come in my name and say, “I am he!”* and, “The time is near!”* Do not go after them.

9 ‘When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for these things must take place first, but the end will not follow immediately.’ 10Then he said to them, ‘Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; 11there will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and plagues; and there will be dreadful portents and great signs from heaven.

GOSPEL REFLECTION: Jane Markotsis

In today’s Gospel, Jesus teaches us an important message on how there is an end to everything, no matter how beautiful or appealing material things may be. The day of judgement is something that only God truly knows. However, we are reminded not to be terrified or be fixated on the apocalyptic signs of such events that would come to the world. We should rather be more dedicated in keeping our faith in the Lord during persecutions, false prophets and temptations, which will challenge and question our faith. Despite all the possible problems that we may encounter, as long as we remain steadfast in our faith, God will always be with us. As said by the Apostle Paul, faith is one of the key attributes of being in eternal life. No matter what happens in the future of the world, be it earthquakes, famines, wars and more, if we embody Jesus’ example and persist in our faith, a life of comfort and happiness in the Kingdom of Heaven will see us through.

What does Jesus advise in times of trial? Jesus tells us that there will be trials, suffering, and persecution in this present age until he comes again at the end of the world. God intends our anticipation of his final judgment to be a powerful deterrent to unfaithfulness and wrongdoing. God extends grace and mercy to all who will heed his call and his warning. Do not pass up, even for one day, God's invitation of grace and mercy to seek first his kingdom of righteousness and peace. This day may be your only chance before that final day comes.

In the meantime, we must witness, watch and wait. We mustn’t be fooled or mislead, and we shouldn’t worry; but we must put aside anxiety. When one comes among us claiming to have all the answers, we need to be careful. When one comes among us claiming that the end is near, we need to reject fear. These are soft words for hard times. Clear instructions for days of confusion. Loving reminders that we are not alone, that we are cherished, that we are loved. All we need do is . . . witness, watch, and wait.

FINAL PRAYER

Lord Jesus,

your grace and mercy abounds

even in the midst of trails and difficulties.

Help us to seek your kingdom first

and to reject whatever would hinder me

from pursuing your way of righteousness and holiness.

Fill me with the joy and hope

of your everlasting kingdom.

Amen