READING OF THE DAY
A reading from the Book of Revelation
RV 22:1-7
John said:
An angel showed me the river of life-giving water,
sparkling like crystal, flowing from the throne of God
and of the Lamb down the middle of the street,
On either side of the river grew the tree of life
that produces fruit twelve times a year, once each month;
the leaves of the trees serve as medicine for the nations.
Nothing accursed will be found anymore.
The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it,
and his servants will worship him.
They will look upon his face, and his name will be on their foreheads.
Night will be no more, nor will they need light from lamp or sun,
for the Lord God shall give them light,
and they shall reign forever and ever.
And he said to me,
“These words are trustworthy and true,
and the Lord, the God of prophetic spirits,
sent his angel to show his servants what must happen soon.”
“Behold, I am coming soon.”
Blessed is the one who keeps the prophetic message of this book.
GOSPEL OF THE DAY
From the Gospel according to Luke
LK 21:34-36
Jesus said to his disciples:
“Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy
from carousing and drunkenness
and the anxieties of daily life,
and that day catch you by surprise like a trap.
For that day will assault everyone
who lives on the face of the earth.
Be vigilant at all times
and pray that you have the strength
to escape the tribulations that are imminent
and to stand before the Son of Man.”
Saturday of the Thirty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time
(Luke 21:34-36)
The Word of God for Us
Dear People of God,
The Word of God in today’s Gospel reminds everyone: To be vigilant in all places at all times. To be alert to our thoughts, words, actions, and deeds. Examine whether we have yet lived a life that’s pleasing to God. Because God will come at any moment to call each of our souls out of this world.
God calls on His Apostles: Let go of everything. Do not let the vanities and the material things of this world weigh you down and draw your soul and body out of God’s loving arms. God knows Satan and the world are tempting people very strongly. Satan will draw human souls out of the loving embrace of God and take advantage of man’s weakness and freedom by harming his soul and body. Therefore, the Word of God in the Gospel today invites everyone: Do not let your heart be heavy by your drunkenness, intoxication, and worrisome. Do not allow your heart to overindulge in worldly things, for they will separate our human souls and bodies from God and prevent us from being closer to God’s light. These worldly things are obstacles that will prevent us from being closer to God, listening to His teaching, and putting it into practice.
Therefore, the Word of God today invites everyone: To listen and practice the Word of God’s teaching. For God alone is the One who knows all things. He is the Giver of love; the One who brings peace, happiness, and eternal life to people. Besides God, there is no other god that can bring eternal life to humans.
God always loves and invites people to:
- Be alert to Satan’s lures and temptations about money, material things, glory, and honor of the world.
- Stay awake and pray always. Have absolute trust in God’s love, power, and strength. Only the power, strength, and light of God can dispel the power of Satan that is lurking, destroying, harming, and pulling human souls out of His loving arms.
God’s invitation to everyone: The Word of God teaches everyone. Therefore, everyone should strive and be determined to do right so that with the power of God, we will be able to resist and stand firm against the very formidable temptations of Satan.
Thanks Be to God. Amen.
