earthquakes, famines and plagues; in many places strange and terrifying signs from heaven will be seen. Before all these things happen, people will lay their hands on you and persecute you; you will be delivered to the synagogues and put in prison, and for my sake you will be brought before kings and governors. This will be your opportunity to bear witness.So keep this in mind: do not worry in advance about what to say, for I will give you words and wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to withstand or contradict.You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, by relatives and friends, and some of you will be put to death. But even though, because of my name, you will be hated by everyone, not a hair of your head will perish. By your patient endurance you will save your souls.
Lectio Divina
READ: The lurid illustration of the end of time in the gospel brings fear to many. The first reading speaks of judgment; one group will rejoice, the other will be punished. In the second reading, St. Paul discourages idleness.
REFLECT: Every day comes with occasions to test our faith. Every day comes with an opportunity for us to give witness to Christ. The coming of the end of time will not be different. Perhaps the difference is in the inten- sity of the challenge. But the intention is the same. We need to prove our substance to the Lord until the end. We should be able to show enough grounds that we are worthy of welcome at his judgment. We should not be caught just hanging around doing nothing but diligently making our life productive for the Lord.
PRAY: Lord, make me see always what truly matters in life.
ACT: Forgive an enemy today.
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