+ It is very easy to get caught up in the "things of earthly life" and take our focus off of what is going to count "in the long run." That is an interesting term: "in the long run." In many ways it is not very appealing to our instant gratification seeking society. Most want things "now," not "in some imaginary and maybe even impossible to achieve 'long run;'" but, Jesus in the gospel passage tells us quite directly and certainly that we ought to keep our sights "on this long run" – because it could save our lives, eternally!
BE VIGILANT AT ALL TIMES AND PRAY THAT YOU HAVE THE STRENGTH TO STAND BEFORE THE SON OF MAN!
This is some pretty strong language, this Jesus means!
The Day of the Lord's coming on the clouds of heaven is a fact yet to be accomplished. He will come to be our judge on that day! And not only our judge, but also everyone's judge – whether they 'believe in him' or not. It will be a day of great insight and surprise for many. That ought to make all of us sit up and take notice NOW! Are we ready? It could be today! Are we ready? It could be tomorrow? Are we ready? It could be in a very long time: but WILL WE BE READY WHEN THAT DAY COMES!
I hope and pray that I am; and I hope and pray that you are as well!
I know that if I do my assigned job in the Body of Christ – being a priest: a preacher, a celebrant of the Lord's own mysteries, a healer and a friend to the sheep of his pasture: then I shall have done my job. I know that if you each do your assigned job in the Body of Christ – being Baptized and Confirmed Catholics: living in good and holy marriages, being good fathers, mothers and children, being good students, being good providers for your family, being active in your parish to the best of your ability, looking out for the needs of others always first, in the name of Christ: doing all for the love of God who lives deeply within you: then you too will have nothing to fear when that truly awesome and spectacular day comes!
Let us live the days of this coming week being vigilant, and keeping in mind that there is "a long run" – there is surely something coming; but also believing deeply and trustingly that God is our inheritance – because of what Jesus did for us by dying on the Cross; he is our portion and cup, who hold us closely to himself, and will see to it that we shall not be disturbed forever – we shall experience the delights at his right hand forever – if we live like we want it!
God bless you!
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