THE LAST DAY

SABBATH

Today is the last day of the liturgical year. The Church has us reflect on the last things in today’s liturgy. In the Lord’s Prayer, we pray that we may not be put to the test and that we may be delivered from evil. This is a prayer of protection for the last days, that we would endure and hold fast when the time of testing comes. Jesus informs His disciples to pray constantly and pray for the strength to escape the final temptation to resist the enemy who is at hand. Jesus tells us that we are to be sober, not drunk in self-indulgence and revelry. The last day will come upon us like a trap as Jesus often explained in the parables. The Second Coming will not be unannounced. Unlike the destruction of the city of Jerusalem, all people will see the coming of the Son of Man. Jesus is kind and considerate. He knows how easily we forget these things. Each day we should act as if it will be our last. We never know when we will be called back to the Living God. Death comes upon us so suddenly. Jesus is telling us the same thing — when He comes again, it will be sudden. Let us be watchful and vigilant at heart. As we end another season (Ordinary Time), it is always good to see how we have been vigilant. Our hearts must be willing and able to meet the Lord when the call of death comes. Jesus informs us in the Gospel to be secure in the knowledge of God’s love for us. Let us live accordingly. Fr. Brian Steele, MGL   Reflection Question: Have you been a faithful follower of Jesus?   Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Amen.   St. Conrad, pray for us.