[ Today's Readings ]
Lo, the day is coming, blazing like an oven,
Jesus is coming soon and we must be prepared. Whether it is his coming at our death, at the end of the world, he will come at a time we do not expect. But he also comes when we're ready for him. He comes in every Eucharist. Let us bring with us the fear of his name the next time we receive him. If we do us there will arise for us the sun of justice with its healing rays. If we practice receiving him now we wont be worried about being set on fire later.
Preparing for the coming of the LORD does not mean being so heavenly minded that we are no earthly good. It does not mean getting lost in Kingdom gossip while the world keeps on spinning without us.
In fact, when we were with you,
we instructed you that if anyone was unwilling to work,
neither should that one eat.
We need to do the work set before us for the LORD.
Such people we instruct and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to work quietly and to eat their own food.
There might be a lot going on in the world that could cause distraction from living the simple and holy life to which Jesus calls us. The crazy events of the news can sometimes seem more pressing than our own individual lives day to day. After all, such events can even make us fear for our own safety. They might well even spell persecution for us. But in Jesus Christ we need not fear.
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.
So let's not worry about those things that are beyond our control. Let us pray for the world and get to work on the task at hand. Let us not fear evildoers, for the LORD will protect us. He will eventually set all things right.
He will rule the world with justice
and the peoples with equity.
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