Friday, November 29, 2013. 

Today's Liturgical Reading by Daily Flash, Goa.  

Daniel 7:2-14; Psalm Daniel 3:75-81; Gospel : Luke 21:29-33. [Please share today's Gospel with family, friends/neighbors.]

Focus:  “When you see these things…. You know that the kingdom of God is near:” (Luke 21:31)

The Focus confirms that ‘Jesus announced the judgment of the Last Day in His preaching’ (CCC 678).  Jesus also asked us to judge the end times by the signs, much as we may discern the nearness of summer by sprouting leaves (Luke 21:30).

The witnessing zeal of the early believers was rooted in their expectation that the Lord might return at any time and they must always be ready to receive him.  Yet end-time readings (eschatology) are often not taken seriously amongst us.  They are even viewed with silent derision and skeptical humour.  But the word of God says otherwise.  Do these signs apply to us today: ‘In the last days… People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, arrogant… lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding to the outward form of godliness but denying its power’ (2 Timothy 3:1-5)?

The Magisterium is clear that ‘since the Ascension God’s plan has entered into its fulfillment.  We are already at “the last hour”…the final age of the world is with us’ and Christ’s second coming could occur at any time (CCC 670).

May our lamps be filled with the oil of the Holy Spirit so that when the Bridegroom comes the door will not be shut on us!

Fruit:  The message of the Last Judgment calls us to conversion.  ‘It inspires a holy fear of God’ (CCC 1041).