First reading Apocalypse 20:1-4,11-21:2
The book of life was opened, and the dead were judged
I, John, saw an angel come down from heaven with the key of the Abyss in his hand and an enormous chain. He overpowered the dragon, that primeval serpent which is the devil and Satan, and chained him up for a thousand years. He threw him into the Abyss, and shut the entrance and sealed it over him, to make sure he would not deceive the nations again until the thousand years had passed. At the end of that time he must be released, but only for a short while.
Then I saw some thrones, and I saw those who are given the power to be judges take their seats on them. I saw the souls of all who had been beheaded for having witnessed for Jesus and for having preached God’s word, and those who refused to worship the beast or his statue and would not have the brand-mark on their foreheads or hands; they came to life, and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. Then I saw a great white throne and the One who was sitting on it. In his presence, earth and sky vanished, leaving no trace. I saw the dead, both great and small, standing in front of his throne, while the book of life was opened, and other books opened which were the record of what they had done in their lives, by which the dead were judged.
The sea gave up all the dead who were in it; Death and Hades were emptied of the dead that were in them; and every one was judged according to the way in which he had lived. Then Death and Hades were thrown into the burning lake. This burning lake is the second death; and anybody whose name could not be found written in the book of life was thrown into the burning lake.
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; the first heaven and the first earth had disappeared now, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the holy city, and the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, as beautiful as a bride all dressed for her husband.
Responsorial Psalm 83(84):3-6,8
Here God lives among his people.
My soul yearns and pines
for the courts of the Lord.
My heart and my flesh
cry out for the living God.
Here God lives among his people.
Even the sparrow finds a home,
and the swallow a nest
in which she puts her young–
Your altars, O Lord of hosts,
my king and my God!
Here God lives among his people.
Blessed they who dwell in your house!
continually they praise you.
Blessed the men whose strength you are!
They go from strength to strength.
Here God lives among his people.
Gospel Luke 21:29-33
My words will never pass away
Jesus told his disciples a parable: ‘Think of the fig tree and indeed every tree. As soon as you see them bud, you know that summer is now near. So with you when you see these things happening: know that the kingdom of God is near. I tell you solemnly, before this generation has passed away all will have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.’
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Faithful and near
“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.” These words remind us of God’s promise to always be faithful to us. Indeed, when we look back at our journey so far, we find these words to be true. People and events in life come and go, but God’s loving presence remains a constant in our lives.
“…know that the kingdom of God is near.” We are invited to rediscover that Jesus is close to us today. He calls us to perceive the signs of His presence in various ways: through nature, in people around us, in the surprises that life brings and above all, in His Word. Jesus comes and speaks His word to us daily. His Word gives us life and inspires us to live each day with love. May today be a day where we welcome and listen to the Word of God in faith. Let us make space for His Word in our minds and hearts so that we, too, can stay close to Him throughout our day.
Reflective question:
Do I experience Jesus’ faithfulness and nearness in my life?
Acknowledgment: Reflections are based on “Prayer for Living: The Word of God for Daily Prayer Year B” by Sr Maria Jose FMVD.
