DAILY MEDITATION

Catholic Calendar for Friday, November 26, 2010
Friday of the Thirty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time 



Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word: 
Revelation 20:1-4, 11--21:2
Psalm 84:3, 4, 5-6a and 8a
Luke 21:29-33



A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

When you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near.

In today's first reading, John the Apostle saw an angel descending from heaven bearing the key to the abyss and a chain. Seizing the Devil, the angel tied and cast him into the pit to remain sealed in it for a thousand years, then opened briefly. Once freed, Satan gathered his evil army to surround and destroy all the faithful, but fire from heaven consumed his troops and he was thrown into a pool of fire to be eternally tortured. 

In verse 11, John saw a large white throne with the one sitting in it who caused the earth and sky to flee from his presence. Death and Hades gave up their dead who would then go before the throne for judgment according to their deeds. Afterwards, Death and Hades were thrown into the pool of fire along with all their dead whose names were not written in the "Book of Life." 

A new heaven and earth appeared to replace the old. Also, a new Jerusalem adorned like a bride, representing the Church, stood awaiting her spouse, Jesus Christ. Now that the old order has passed away, God will dwell with the human race to wipe away all their tears, and put an end to death, mourning, wailing and pain.

Christ's gospel for today is very brief but centers on the coming of the Son of Man referred to in the previous paragraph of scripture. Beginning with verse twenty-five, Jesus speaks to His Apostles of the unusual, frightening, cosmic signs that will usher in His "coming" in a cloud with power and great glory. When these events begin to take place they should raise their heads, for their redemption is at hand. 

Christ, however, did not speak of a definite time but instead told them to just be aware of what is going on around them, for as surely as they can predict the coming of spring by certain signs, then they will also know when the kingdom of God is near. He assures them of one certainty; heaven and earth will pass away, but His Word to them will never pass away.

O Blessed Redeemer, 
make us aware of those conditions that should awaken us to a coming change and prepare us for a time of difficult testing. 
Amen.

~ Marie Bocko, OCDS | email: mlbocko(at)twcny.rr.com