Gospel Commentary: In Preparation

By Fr. Jack Peterson
Herald Columnist
(From the issue of 11/11/04)

As we approach the end of the liturgical year, the Church focuses our attention on the end times. We reflect upon how we as faithful disciples of Christ can be prepared for that day. In the 21st Chapter of Luke’s Gospel, we receive some comforting advice from Jesus, our Good Shepherd. A prayerful reflection upon his advice might go like this.

"Do not be deceived!" Many will come trying to fool you. Some will claim to be Me, or will offer their alternative solution to great trials that face mankind: sin, suffering and death. Many will try to offer their version of how to find meaning in life and discover the peace that I alone can give. Others will claim that the end is here, in spite of the fact that I have repeatedly said that no one knows the time or the hour when I will return and bring this world to its grand conclusion. Members of my fold, remain faithful to me. Trust me and the Church I instituted for you.

"Do not be terrified." As your Good Shepherd, I want you to know that I am with you. I will be your strength, your place of refuge. I am the way, the truth and the life. I have cleared the path and made it known to you. Just walk in my ways. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I am King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Do not be afraid. Just gaze upon the cross with the eyes of faith and know that I am here for you. I am the Truth, I bore witness to the truth, and I will protect the truth. Stay close to me and I will take care of you.

"They will persecute you." Those who have failed to come fully into the light will question your motives. They will attack your beliefs and values. They will ridicule your faith in me. They will encourage you to join them in their sinful activities and adopt their selfish attitudes. This persecution will often be subtle, and sometimes it will come from your families. They will even put you to death on my account. Be on guard. Stay close to my Church. Spend time with faith-filled, holy people. Again, know deep in your hearts that I am with you. I will give you wisdom. I will never abandon you because you are dear to me.

"By your perseverance you will secure your lives." As you learn to trust in Me, I will give you the grace to persevere, to hang on when you are tempted to lose hope. I will give you the strength of the saints, who kept their gaze focused on me during the greatest of trials. I will pour upon my flock the Spirit’s gift of fortitude so that when I come again my words to you will be, "Good and faithful servants, come, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world."

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