Readings: Apocalypse 20:1-4,11-21:2, Ps. 84:3-6,8, Luke 21:29-33
“Another book, the Book of Life, was opened. And the dead were judged according to their works, as recorded in the books… Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire, and anyone whose name was not found written in the Book of Life was thrown into the lake of fire..” (Revelation 20:12-15)
When God made Man, he had no intention that our life would be limited, that we would die, or that we would have to suffer eternally. God’s intention for man, as contained in Genesis 1:26, states: “Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness; and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air, and the cattle, and all the wild animals of the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth.”
- Being made in the image and likeness of God, humans are made to be immortal, powerful, great, and in charge of every other thing that exists. But something went wrong! The inability of Adam and Eve to resist the temptation to sin brought death, limitation, and weakness.
- As attractive as sin may be, it always comes with its consequences – and the greatest consequence of sin is man’s disqualification from enjoying life as God originally intended.
- The Book of Revelations may appear difficult to understand, but the message is clear—God will judge the world, and only those whose names are found in the Book of Life will eventually merit heaven.
- We live in an age where the talk about heaven and hell almost sounds archaic; you barely hear any preacher mention heaven or hell these days. The word ‘sin’ is not as common as it used to be. We are more concerned with being comfortable here and now, forgetting that we are not yet home.
- We should be concerned about being on good terms with God and loving our neighbours as we love ourselves. The problems of the world will never be over. We will never find true satisfaction or comfort here because it is not our home.
- Today is a day to repent, to begin afresh, and to perform acts capable of ensuring our names are in the Book of Life. These are the last days. In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus gives the parable of the fig tree. “Look at the fig tree and all the trees; as soon as they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near.” (Luke 21:29-31).
- The message in the parable of the fig tree is that whatever is alive undergoes growth and development but eventually ends in death. Look at the fig tree. Today, it has leaves; tomorrow, these leaves will fall off. You may be young today, but you will be old tomorrow. Make hail while the sun shines. Don’t wait till it becomes too late. Is your name in the Book of Life?
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, may we be found worthy on judgment day. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Friday of week 34 in Ordinary Time Liturgical Colour: Green. Bible Study: Apocalypse 20:1-4,11-21:2, Ps. 84:3-6,8, Luke 21:29-33).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu