Bible
Study: Revelations 22, 1
to 7 and Luke 21, 34 to 36.
Today we come to the end of the book of Revelations as well as the end
of this liturgical year. We have summarily completed the entire Bible and from
tomorrow we shall begin all over again not necessarily sequentially (i.e. from
Genesis on) but selectively. The last sentence of the book of Revelation is a
contains a powerful statement from the lips of Jesus himself: “BEHOLD I AM
COMING SOON”.
You still remember that song: Soon and Very soon, we are going to meet
the lord… soon and very soon… soon and very soon…. Soon and very soon…. we are
going to meet the Lord….alleluia …..alleluia ….we are going to meet the Lord.
Anyway, I think the song can also be understood to mean: “Soon and very soon,
Christ is coming to meet with us… soon and very soon…. Soon and very soon….
Soon and very soon, Christ is coming to meet with us… alleluia … alleluia…
Christ is coming to meet with us.” The fact that Christ will come to us very
soon sets the tone for Advent when we actually prepare to receive Christ at
Christmas.
Yes, Christmas is just a couple of days away and a little drive around
town shows that people are busy painting their houses and fixing lights and
other decorations. Right now, people are busy shopping and planning for the
holidays and as usual prices of certain indispensable items are already
skyrocketing.
In all of this, one very common denominator amongst every single person
you meet this period is ANXIETY. For a million and one reasons, people are
desperately anxious and everyone just seems to be a rush for something
important. This accounts for the increase in traffic accidents and extreme
outbursts of anger among drivers this period. It is one thing to prepare for
Christmas, but a different thing altogether to welcome the baby Jesus into
one’s heart – a welcoming that ordinarily should change us totally and make us
resolved to live a better life in the coming year.
Jesus knew the danger of anxiety. Hence Jesus told us in today’s Gospel
passage: “Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and
drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life, and that day catch you by surprise
like a trap” instead “Be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the
strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent and to stand before the
Son of Man.” Jesus is coming soon. Are you prepared to welcome him?
Let us Pray: Lord Jesus, may I be found worthy on judgment day. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith.
It is well with you. God bless you.
Fr. Abu.
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