Many Catholics think they don’t know much Scripture. I say that’s not true. If you’re a regular, Mass-going Catholic, then you probably know an awful lot more Scripture than you may think. The end of today’s first reading is a great example. If I asked you what it says in Revelation 19:9, you would probably shrug your shoulders. But if I asked you what the priest says as he elevates the Eucharist right before the congregation receives, you could probably tell me. “Blessed are those who have been called to the wedding feast of the Lamb.” See…you do know Scripture!
In today’s Gospel reading from Luke 21, we hear Jesus describing further what it will be like when He returns. It’s pretty scary stuff, actually. Jesus affirms this, saying, “People will die of fright in anticipation of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.” But He has a powerful message of hope for those who believe in Him. “But when these signs begin to happen, stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand.”
I have mixed emotions about the Second Coming of the Lord. Part of me says that I will want to crawl under the nearest rock and start whimpering like a baby. That’s the insecure, untrusting part. But I think as we grow in faith, we should grow in confidence. Not becoming overconfident, but being able to raise our head and give thanks that our redemption is at hand. So stand erect, raise your head and be counted among the saints!
Father, help us grow in faith and love, that we may grow in confidence and raise our heads on the day of the coming of the Lord. Amen.
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