“Lo, the day is coming.” —Malachi 3:19
As we near the end of the world, “there will be great earthquakes, plagues, and famines in various places — and in the sky fearful omens and great signs. But before any of this, they will manhandle and persecute you” (Lk 21:11-12). “You will be delivered up even by your parents, brothers, relatives and friends, and some of you will be put to death. All will hate you because of” Jesus (Lk 21:16-17). “Lo, the day is coming, blazing like an oven, when all the proud and all evildoers will be stubble, and the day that is coming will set them on fire” (Mal 3:19).
How will we save our lives on this last day? We will be saved:
– “by patient endurance” (Lk 21:19),
– by humility and repentance from pride (Mal 3:19),
– by doing God’s will and not evil (Mal 3:19), and
– by fearing God’s name (Mal 3:20).
How will we have the power to be patient, persevering, humble, repentant, God-serving, and God-fearing? The power comes not by our might, nor by our power, but by the Spirit (Zec 4:6). Jesus has given us another Paraclete (Jn 14:16), the Holy Spirit, Who will guide us (Jn 16:13) through life, death, and even the end of the world. Ask that the Holy Spirit be stirred into flame in your heart (2 Tm 1:6-7). Come, Holy Spirit!
PRAYER: Father, send the Spirit to convict me of sin (Jn 16:8).
PROMISE: “But for you who fear My name, there will arise the sun of justice with its healing rays.” —Mal 3:20
PRAISE: Jesus is risen! We will be raised from the dead (see Jn 6:40). Alleluia forever!
Reference: This teaching was submitted by a member of the editorial team of Fr Al Laury’s Presentation Ministries, who, in accord with the Code of Canon Law, have been granted the Nihil Obstat (Church’s permission & Blessing) for the publication of these reflections.
John Portelli
