Tag: final judgment

“Know that the Kingdom of God is near.” | Friday of the Thirty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time

From the responsorial psalm: “Blessed they who dwell in your house! continually they praise you. Blessed the men whose strength you are! They go from strength to strength. Here God lives among his people.”

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke (Lk 21:28)

Jesus told his disciples a parable. “Consider the fig tree and all the other trees. When their buds burst open, you see for yourselves and know that summer is now near; in the same way, when you see these things happening, know that the Kingdom of God is near. Amen, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.”

Jesus describes what the coming of the kingdom of God looks like in a tender comparison of the fig tree and all other trees. It buds and yet is to bud. Already here and yet to be, its coming looks like all the opening up to warmth and new life that summer brings. The generation in which Jesus spoke these words has passed away, but the kingdom was present then, is here now, and is yet to open wider. “Jesus Christ,” Saint Paul says, “is the same yesterday, and today, and forever.”

God, just as the buds of the fig tree burst open, let the coming of your kingdom work in me to bud and bring new life. The psalmist prays “Here God lives among his people.” Already here and yet to come, your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom. Let me remember throughout the day to radiate your love and praise you. Give me the opportunity to show others whose strength it is—from strength to strength—that finds a home in a soul that cries out for the living God. Lord, keep me in your kingdom as I seek to remain in you for eternal life.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Maximilian Kolbe Shrine—Blessed Sacrament

Thursday of the Thirty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time—Thanksgiving

From the responsorial psalm: “Know that the LORD is God; he made us, his we are; his people, the flock he tends. Blessed are they who are called to the wedding feast of the Lamb.”

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke (Lk 21:20-28)

“And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. But when these signs begin to happen, stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand.”

Jesus describes to the disciples the destruction of Jerusalem, which took place in A.D. 70. Luke’s Gospel, written several years later, relates what had already taken place. What Jesus predicts about Jerusalem gives assurance to the disciples that the final judgment will also be fulfilled. In Jesus’ words, “a terrible calamity will come upon the earth and a wrathful judgment upon his people. . . . People will die of fright in anticipation of what is coming upon the world.” As difficult as this time is to imagine—nations in dismay and terrible signs on earth and in the sky—Jesus will come with “power and great glory” as our hope and redeemer comes to call us to the “wedding feast of the Lamb.”

God, in the midst of the greatest distress you are not absent to your people but here among us in the risen Christ, who will come again to judge the living and the dead. Help me trust in you and remain steadfast in the trials of daily life and in preparation for the fulfillment of your kingdom in the Second Coming of Jesus. Keep me in your care, Lord, let me be grateful for the many blessings of each day. On Thanksgiving Day, grant me the grace to be a means of hope and love, especially for those in distress who most need your mercy.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Maximilian Kolbe Shrine—Blessed Sacrament

“Not a hair on your head will be destroyed.” | Wednesday of the Thirty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time

From the responsorial psalm: “Before the LORD, for he comes, for he comes to rule the earth; He will rule the world with justice and the peoples with equity. Great and wonderful are all your works, Lord, mighty God!”

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke (Lk 21:12-19)

“Remember, you are not to prepare your defense beforehand, for I myself shall give you a wisdom in speaking that all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute. You will even be handed over by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends, and they will put some of you to death. You will be hated by all because of my name, but not a hair on your head will be destroyed. By your perseverance you will secure your lives.”

Jesus speaks to the crowd about the cost of discipleship. In following him and because of his name, Jesus tells the crowd, “It will lead you to your giving testimony.” The wisdom in speaking that Jesus himself gives us does not come in silence and in keeping quiet but in giving testimony to him and in persevering. Because of his name, betrayal and hatred from those closest to us and those with worldly power is a real possibility. In this instance, our defense and freedom as disciples of Christ will not be through intellectual readiness or intensive training but through his supernatural gift of wisdom. “Great and wonderful are your works, Lord God almighty!” Lead us to giving testimony to you.

God, help me remain faithful to you today and every day. I survey what lies before me today and hope for greatness in doing your will yet feel small in recognizing the limitations of my own powers. Give me the opportunity today to give testimony to Jesus Christ your Son and the wisdom to act according to your will. The path of discipleship leads toward the grasp of persecutors who silence and kill those who proclaim your great and wonderful works. Yet, your wisdom speaks through those who love you, and not a hair on their head will be destroyed. Keep me in your care, Lord; secure me for eternal life.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Maximilian Kolbe Shrine—Blessed Sacrament

“Today salvation has come to this house.” | Tuesday of the Thirty-third Week in Ordinary Time

From the responsorial psalm: “He who walks blamelessly and does justice; who thinks the truth in his heart and slanders not with his tongue. I will seat the victor beside me on my throne.”

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke (Lk 19:1-10)

But Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, “Behold, half of my possessions, Lord, I shall give to the poor, and if I have extorted anything from anyone I shall repay it four times over.” And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house because this man too is a descendant of Abraham. For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save what was lost.”

Before witnesses who grumble against Zacchaeus, calling him a sinner, Jesus invites Zacchaeus to come down from the sycamore. Because he was short, he couldn’t see Jesus because of the crowd, yet the desire to see him pass by was so strong that he climbed a tree to catch sight of him. Jesus sees this desire and invites him down, saying, “Zacchaeus, come down quickly, for today I must stay at your house.” We hear the same voice of the Lord in the first reading from the Book of Revelation: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, then I will enter his house and dine with him, and he with me.” In both accounts, Jesus comes to visit the repentant soul “to seek and to save what was lost.”

God, help me hear throughout the day the knock of Jesus at my door. What he said to Zacchaeus and in the Book of Revelation, he says to me: “come down quickly, for today I must stay at your house.” Help me see the opportunities you set before me so that I follow the invitation to hear your voice and open the door. Lord, grant me peace in knowing that as I face the burdens and challenges of the day, it is not about how well I perform but in seeking like, Zacchaeus, to see who Jesus is. Stay with me, Lord; come under my roof. Jesus, I trust in you!

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Perpetual adoration live stream Kolbe Shrine.

“Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me!” | Monday of the Thirty-third Week in Ordinary Time

From the responsorial psalm: “Blessed the man who follows not the counsel of the wicked Nor walks in the way of sinners, nor sits in the company of the insolent, But delights in the law of the LORD and meditates on his law day and night. Those who are victorious I will feed from the tree of life.”

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke (Lk 18:35-43)

As Jesus approached Jericho a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging, and hearing a crowd going by, he inquired what was happening. They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” He shouted, “Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me!” The people walking in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent, but he kept calling out all the more, “Son of David, have pity on me!”

The blind man in today’s Gospel is a model of persistent prayer and expressing it in a way that catches God’s attention. It is also a model of evangelization. The blind man shouts and calls out to Jesus to be heard. Although initially rebuking him, on seeing the blind man healed and giving glory to God, the same crowd who rebuked him turn around and give praise to God. The healing that takes place through his faith is a kind of multiplication of the loaves, where shared among others it multiplies many times over. A prerequisite for the blind man’s healing is his lack of sight, his desire to see. This speaks to every person who lacks something in faith that love and repentance restore so that we can try again. As the Lord says in the first reading: “you have lost the love you had at first. Realize how far you have fallen. Repent, and do the works you did at first.” The blind man gains sight; in his faith and miraculous healing, he gives us cause to give praise to God.

God, help me understand today’s Gospel in light of the Gospel acclamation: “I am the light of the world, says the Lord; whoever follows me will have the light of life.” Every day, Lord, there is reason to call out to you; I lose sight of you and stumble in the dark, realizing more and more that I am dependent on you for every good gift. In giving all thanks and glory to you for restoring in me the light of your love time after time—in prayer, at Mass, and in the sacraments—help make my faith in you a witness to others and a cause for them to give you praise.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Perpetual adoration live stream Kolbe Shrine.

“My words will not pass away.” | Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time

From the responsorial psalm: “O LORD, my allotted portion and my cup, you it is who hold fast my lot. I set the LORD ever before me; with him at my right hand I shall not be disturbed. You are my inheritance, O Lord!”

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark (Mk 13:24-32)

“Amen, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. “But of that day or hour, no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”

Jesus speaks to the disciples about the coming in glory of the Son of Man. At his coming, the stars will fall, the moon will no longer give light, and “the powers in the heavens will be shaken.” Echoing Daniel, who describes in apocalyptic language a “time unsurpassed distress,” Jesus conveys his return powerfully but also tenderly in terms of the fig tree branches becoming tender and sprouting leaves. “And then,” Jesus tells the disciples, “they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in the clouds’ with great power and glory” and that although heaven and earth pass away, his words—our inheritance of eternal life—will not pass away.

Father in heaven, teach me to be vigilant at all times for the return of your Son on a day and time I cannot know. In times of tribulation, help me call to mind your constant, tender care in leading me to you. In your presence is the path to life and the fullness of joy. Throughout the moments of this day, keep me in your presence and under your protection, as when we hear the priest say during the Mass after the Lord’s Prayer: “Deliver us, Lord, we pray, from every evil, graciously grant peace in our days, that, by the help of your mercy, we may be always free from sin and safe from all distress, as we await the blessed hope and the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ.”

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Perpetual adoration live stream Kolbe Shrine.

“Then the righteous will shine like the sun.” | Tuesday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time

From the responsorial psalm: “Help us, O God our savior, because of the glory of your name; Deliver us and pardon our sins for your name’s sake. For the glory of your name, O Lord, deliver us.”

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Mt 13:36-43)

“The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will collect out of his Kingdom all who cause others to sin and all evildoers. They will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the Kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears ought to hear.”

In response to the disciples, Jesus explains the parable of the weeds and the wheat. The Son of Man, Jesus tells them, is the one who sows good seed. “The weeds are the children of the Evil One,” he says, “and the enemy who sows them is the Devil.” In the end of the age, the Son of Man will send his angels for the final judgment. Among the worst places to be in this depiction of Jesus is one of those who causes others to sin. In alarming clarity, Jesus himself describes the reality of the devil and evil spirits. To cooperate with them, to turn away from God, is to sin and position oneself to cause others to sin—a place of misery. But God has a place for the righteous, a place in the Kingdom of the Father, where those who hear and obey him will shine like the sun in everlasting bliss.

God, for the glory of your name, help me remember to come to you without hesitation in this life so I am prepared to give you unending thanks and praise in the life of the world to come. Jeremiah says, “Is it not you alone, O LORD, our God, to whom we look? You alone have done all these things.” Help me look to you alone, Lord, to remain in your word and to turn away from the Evil One. Deliver me, free me from death, and forgive my sins for your name’s sake. Saint Peter Chrysologus, pray for us!

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

“Only say the word.” | Monday of the First Week of Advent

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Mt 8:5-11)

When Jesus entered Capernaum, a centurion approached him and appealed to him, saying, “Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, suffering dreadfully.” He said to him, “I will come and cure him.” The centurion said in reply, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof; only say the word and my servant will be healed.”

We hear these words of the Roman centurion at every Mass when we say, “Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.” The centurion, who understands the authority behind a command, demonstrates great faith in Jesus in trusting him to heal his servant with his word alone. “For I too am a man subject to authority,” he says, “with soldiers subject to me.” Amazed at his faith, Jesus states that he has not found such faith in all of Israel, emphasizing the inclusion of all in God’s Kingdom. The servant at home paralyzed, suffers dreadfully. In response to our prayers or the prayers of others, Christ comes under our roof to say the word and heal our souls.

God, in the mystery of suffering I often fail to see you or to find a way to see you. The story of the centurion is an example of why sight fails me at those times. Is it that when I look inward at my own suffering I fail to see the suffering of others? For the sake of his servant, the centurion sought out Jesus as he entered Capernaum, as if to suggest the centurion was keen for his arrival. To be certain, a handful of sufferings will come this day, taking my attention away from the needs of others close to me. Help me remember throughout the day that in praying that you free others from their suffering, you free me from the isolating paralysis of self-absorption. Heal me, Lord, from anything that would prevent me from seeing how badly others need you to come under their roof to save them.

From the Gospel acclamation: “Come and save us, LORD our God; Let your face shine upon us, that we may be saved.” Lord, guard me today with your word and by it bring your healing presence.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

“Be watchful! Be alert!” | First Sunday of Advent

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark (MK 13:33-37)

Jesus said to his disciples: “Watch, therefore; you do not know when the lord of the house is coming, whether in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or in the morning. May he not come suddenly and find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to all: ‘Watch!’”

Jesus compares watchfulness for his second coming to a man who travels abroad and returns at an unexpected time. While away from home, he places his servants in charge, each with work to do, and orders the gatekeeper to keep watch. Because the time of Christ’s return is unknown, it calls for constant vigilance and devotion to our faith—a perpetual Advent longing here on earth—to prepare us for the life of the world to come with God. That Jesus addresses not only the disciples but all of us is startlingly clear when he says, “What I say to you, I say to all: ‘Watch.'”

God, help me remain alert always but especially as Advent unfolds, where you reveal your love in sending all of us the Christ child, Emmanuel. So much of each day is taken up by routines and planned time, absorption in the moment at hand followed by absorption in the next planned moment at hand. Give me the grace to experience the coming of Christ, not by counting down the calendar to close another year, but with the kind of childlike faith and wonder that can’t wait to see what comes next. It is you I’m looking for, Lord, and most of the time I’m not aware of that. Let me watch for you with joyful expectation and be ready to come out to meet you in the midst of this day.

From the first reading: “Why do you let us wander, O LORD, from your ways,
and harden our hearts so that we fear you not?” Lord, give me the work of keeping watch for your return.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

“Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy.” | Saturday of the Thirty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke (Lk 21:34-36)

Jesus said to his disciples: “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. For that day will assault everyone who lives on the face of the earth. 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.”

Today’s Gospel acclamation summarizes the few words of Jesus from today’s Gospel: “Be vigilant at all times and pray that you may have the strength to stand before the Son of Man.” Jesus tells his disciples to keep their hearts from becoming drowsy by avoiding two seemingly unrelated behaviors: carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life. Both draw attention away from God: carousing and drunkenness, by outright rejection of reason; and the anxieties of daily life, by their pervasiveness and constant insistence that God will not supply what we need when we need it.

God, help me understand today’s Gospel. In speaking to the disciples, Jesus wants to guard not only their hearts but mine here and now against things in this life that would turn my gaze away from you. Your Son, who knew firsthand the anxieties of daily life, is my example and testifies on his own behalf through his life, death, and resurrection. Give me the grace to trust in your ways and be vigilant at all times. Keep me alert to your presence, Lord!

From the responsorial psalm: “Holy men of humble heart, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever. Give glory and eternal praise to him.”

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.