"Jesus' Word and kingdom will not pass away."

God wants us to share his eternal kingdom.

That is the goal for which we strive. 

 

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊    

Revelation 20:1-4, 11-21:2

Then, an angel came down

From heaven, holding in his hand the key to the Abyss, and a huge chain. He seized the monster, the ancient serpent, namely Satan or the devil, and chained him for a thousand years. He threw him into the abyss, and closed its gate with the key, then secured it with locks, that he might not deceive the nations in the future, until the thousand years have passed. Then, he will be released for a little while.

 

There were thrones, and seated on them were those with the power to judge. I then saw the spirits of those who had been beheaded for having held the teachings of Jesus, and on account of the word of God. I saw all those who had refused to worship the beast, or its image, or receive its mark on the forehead, or on the hand. They returned to life, and reigned with the Messiah for a thousand years. This is the first resurrection.

 

After that, I saw a great and splendid throne, and the one seated upon it. At once, heaven and earth disappeared, leaving no trace. I saw the dead, both great and small, standing before the throne, while books were opened. Another book, the book of life, was also opened. Then, the dead were judged, according to the records of these books, that is, each one according to his works.

 

The sea gave up the dead it had kept, as did death and the netherworld, so that all might be judged, according to their works. Then, death and the netherworld, were thrown into the lake of fire. This lake of fire is the second death. All who were not recorded in the book of life were thrown into the lake of fire.

 

Then, I saw a new heaven and a new earth. The first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and no longer was there any sea. I saw the new Jerusalem, the holy city, coming down from God, out of heaven, adorned as a bride prepared for her husband.

 

Ps 84:3, 4, 5-6a & Ba How lovely is Your dwelling place, O Lord, mighty God!

＊＊＊ Gospel ＊＊＊     

Luke 21:29-33

And Jesus added this comparison, "Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. As soon as their buds sprout, you know that summer is near. In the same way, when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near. Truly, I tell you, this generation will not pass away, until all this has happened. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

 

Gospel Reflection ：

"The Kingdom of God is at hand."

The day after tomorrow, we are to begin a new year in our liturgical calendar. We reflect more deeply, trying to examine ourselves vis-à-vis the journey we have taken in this outgoing liturgical year. We are challenged to examine ourselves in the light of the words of God. Today, we also end our reflections on the "little apocalypse of the Gospel of Luke.

 

We end this set of reflections with the lesson of the fig tree. Jesus teaches us that we can learn vigilance from the fig tree. When the fig tree and all other trees begin to come out, showing their buds and leaves, we can ready ourselves for summer. Likewise, when we begin to experience sufferings and also begin seeing the lessons we need to learn in the light of God's word, the kingdom of God is close at hand.

 

Jesus gave us the assurance that, in no uncertain terms, God's words will always be there to guide us through. There is no amount of trials and sufferings that can put our spirit down when we hold on to God's words.