Stay Awake, Praying For Strength To Survive (Luke 21:36)

"Be always on the watch and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man." (Luke 21:36)

This is the last day of the church’s year of grace. Tomorrow is a day of new beginnings, for we celebrate the First Sunday of Advent, Year B and also the New Roman Missal will officially take effect. But we still have this day ahead of us, we should give thanks and praise to God, for journeying with us through this liturgical year and enriching us with his word and his presence in the Eucharist.

The final gospel of the year speaks about the last day and being prepared to face it. Jesus cautions us “stay awake,” he says, “praying for the strength to survive all that is going to happen.” Are we ready to meet the Lord? How should we prepare ourselves for the Parousia or our own death? The only way to do that is to live each day as if it were our last. We can have no unfinished work. Our hearts must be in order. We must forgive and accept forgiveness today. We must not wait until “whenever” to tell someone that we love him or her. We should share our love and friendship today. We must live life passionately today! Sing and dance and party when it is time. Mourn and weep when it is appropriate. Our charitable acts of kindness and generosity must build up a godly character in us. We must mirror the love of Jesus, to everyone around.

Being ready for the “end” means; living each day in integrity, justice, truthfulness, mercy, and love. We are children of the Light, never fearing the darkness and hence we must have no secret or hidden life, but instead our lives should be transparent. Simply meaning, having to live under the complete scrutiny of the eye of the Lord. So, pause and reflect on this liturgical year that has gone by, the blessings the Lord has showered upon you. Thank him for walking with you through troubled times, delivering you from all harm. Thank him for his constant presence in your life. Thank him for sealing you with the Holy Spirit for the day of Redemption. Thank him for the ability to receive the sacraments in a state of grace. Thank him for all the answered prayers, whether “yes” “no” or “not now”! Thank him for the family, friends, and neighbours that live in harmony with you. And thank him for giving you Jesus in the Holy Eucharist.

“Jesus Christ, yesterday and today, the beginning and the end, the Alpha and the Omega! To him belong the days and the seasons. To him belongs all glory! Amen and Amen!”



“Heavenly Father as we close another liturgical year in the church, we come before you in thanksgiving and praise for all your graces, sacraments and blessings that you have showered on us. Thank you for your Son Jesus, who revealed your love for us and who has shown us the way to you. Thank you for speaking to us each day at Mass and nourishing us with the Bread from heaven. Lord, continue to keep us in communion with the whole church. Amen”