Gospel: Luke 21:34-36

 

We are reaching the end of the long Apocalyptic Discourse and getting to the end of the ecclesiastical year. Jesus gives a last piece of advice, inviting us to watch and to pray.

 

Attention to not lose conscientiousness. “Watch yourselves”, Jesus had already given similar advice when they asked Him about the coming of the Kingdom. People must be attentive and always prepared. When the wait is long, there is a risk of not being attentive and not paying attention to the events of life.

 

Today, there are many distractions which render us insensitive, and the news, TV, Internet, and other propaganda can ruin our perspective on life. Being far away from the suffering of so many people in the world, we are not conscious of the injustices which are committed. The converse of this is also possible. The speed of communication today through satellite and Internet can overwhelm us with “bad news” and cause anxieties, fear, and worry and disturb our peace.

 

“Stay awake, praying at all times”. Constant prayer is an important means to not lose the presence of spirit. We must deepen in our hearts the knowledge and awareness of God’s presence. In this way, He gives us strength and light to increase our hope.

 

We have spent five days, from Tuesday to Saturday, meditating on and deepening the sense of the Apocalyptic Discourse for our life. All three Synoptic Gospels have this discourse of Jesus, each one in its own way. Here we give a brief summary of what we have meditated on during this week.