As followers of Jesus, we may find ourselves at odds with societal values. Our faith may be tested. But Jesus tells us that He will be with us by the power of the Holy Spirit. When we endure those trials. He says: “By your endurance you will gain your souls”. Historical notes: The scripture reading of today from Revelation sends us back to Chapter 32 of the Book of Deuteronomy of the Old Testament. The Song of Moses recounts all the marvelous things God has done for His people. It recounts the conclusion of the blessings and alerts (curses) as well. It concludes the Torah as the end of the Bible, just as Revelation for us is the end of the whole Bible. It has and is the most powerful messages where God has been telling His people about the end from the beginning.
In the 1st reading from Revelation, John has a vision in which those who had won the victory over the Beast were singing the Song of Moses and the Song of the Lamb. Intoday’s Gospel passage from Luke, we are reminded that, as followers of Christ, we are going to face great persecutions even to death. Yet, Christ tells us: “by your endurance you will gain your souls”. Faith and patience will give us strength to overcome internal and external enemies, to stand up against any trials that befall us. For Jesus says: “I will give you wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to withstand or contradict.”In this time of Covid-19, certainly we are challenged by many unprecedented facts that are continuously trying our human nerves and above all our faith and patience.
How and where do I stand in these crucial moments of life, even now, when God is the master of my life and history?The God who guided us thus far, will not abandon us now. Trust Him at all times. Blessings. Fr. Mussie