December 02, 2017

Gospel: Lk 21:34-36
Be on your guard: don‘t immerse yourselves in a life of pleasure, drunkenness and worldly cares, lest that day catch you unaware, like a trap! For, like a snare, will that day come upon all the inhabitants of the earth. But watch at all times and pray, that you may be able to escape all that is going to happen, and to stand before the Son of Man.“

REFLECTION:
“Daniel was troubled of the vision he had. He was in anguish and very much terrified of what he has witnessed in vision. Like Daniel, we are terrified and afraid when we think of the last things, more particularly of death. When we heard of earthquakes, famine, suffering, wars, etc. mentioned in the gospel narratives the more we become fearful. Why do we fear or terrified and in anguish? These will not come to us if we follow Jesus‘ exhortations: “Don‘t immerse yourselves in a life of pleasures, drunkenness and worldly cares.“ “Watch all times and pray, that you may escape all that is going to happen.“ Too much joy of the earthly goods and pleasures will make us attached to the world. Anticipate the joy in the company of our heavenly friends, it will inspire you to be there the soonest.
May we not be tempted of the thought that because the world will end and everything will pass away, we no longer do more, aspire to be more and become more. At the end of our journey, we will give accounting of our life and of the gifts we received.