Today’s Gospel:  Luke 17:26-37

REFLECTION
God judges each person according to how they have lived their lives and responded to his grace.  Some may try to pass off personal responsibility to someone else, such as spouse, kin, or friend.  No one can discharge his or her duty by proxy or association.  Intimacy with a godly person does not guarantee that one will enter heaven on the day of judgment. It's inevitable that a thing will happen when the necessary conditions are fulfilled.

God's judgment is good news for those who are ready to meet him. Their reward is God himself, the source of all truth, beauty, goodness, love and everlasting life. The return of the Lord is certain, but the time is unknown. The Lord's judgment comes swiftly and often unexpectedly.  

The good news is that God gives grace, security, and refuge to those who seek him with faith and contrition.  He gives us the grace to know him personally and to accept his lordship over our lives.  And he gives us the power of the Holy Spirit to live each day for his kingdom, and the readiness to receive him when he returns.  

We must ask God for the grace to go beyond our everyday existence - to view the world from a different perspective - with confidence that no matter where we are, God is with us.  Jesus warns his listeners not to be caught off guard when that day arrives. Those whose hope is firmly anchored in heaven will not be disappointed when God's judgment comes.  It will surely come in God's good time!

- MA

Today’s Reading:  2 John 1:4-9

PRAYER
Father Almighty, you are my hope and salvation.  Help me to never lose sight of the goal of heaven and give me fresh joy and zeal to live each day for your kingdom.  In Jesus’ Name we pray.  Amen.