Revelation 18:1-2, 21-23; 19:1-3, 9
Psalm 100:1-5
Luke 21:20-28
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THANKS IN THE END
"When you see Jerusalem encircled by soldiers, know that its devastation is near." —Luke 21:20
Jesus said that Jerusalem would be destroyed. Since Jerusalem was a city specially chosen in God’s plan of salvation, Jesus’ prediction seemed impossible. Less than forty years later, in 70 A.D., Jesus’ prophecy was fulfilled.
St. John, in the book of Revelation, prophesied that the Roman empire, symbolized by Babylon, would fall (Rv 18:2). This most stable of empires fell.
Jesus said that this world will be destroyed and will pass away (see Lk 21:26, 33; 2 Pt 3:7). He was right about Jerusalem’s destruction, and He is right about the world’s end.
Not only are cities, empires, and planet earth in the process of falling apart, we all are falling apart (see 2 Cor 4:16). Our reaction to this fact should not be denial or despair but thanksgiving. Like a grain of wheat, we must fall to the earth and die in order to bear fruit (Jn 12:24). We must die in Christ to rise with Him (2 Tm 2:11).
Thank God that the world is passing away and we are falling apart. Thank God there is so much more than this life. Thank God for endings which open the door to new beginnings (see Lk 20:38). Thank God not only for what’s going well but for what’s going down. Thank God.
Prayer: Father, make me more thankful each day as I get closer to death and home.
Promise: "Sing joyfully to the Lord, all you lands; serve the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful song." —Ps 100:1-2
Praise: Sarah prayed for years for her drug-addicted husband to become a believer in Jesus. Finally, she gave up on him. On the same day she silently made plans to leave him, he gave his life to Jesus, was freed from his addiction, and told her that he loved her. They now evangelize together.
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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant the "Nihil Obstat" ("Permission to Publish") for "One Bread, One Body."
"In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from Octobert 1, 2024, through November 30, 2024. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio January 24, 2024"
The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.
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