The first reading begins on a scary note that the Lord will come like a thief in the night. When everything seems peaceful and harmonious, He will make His entry to bring down the curtains on earthly life. How are we supposed to react to this statement; with fear and trembling or with peace and assurance. St. Paul assures us that if we have been living and journeying with the Lord then we may be asleep and all this may happen and yet we will react with joy instead of fear… if we have loved the Lord. After all, God is for us and not against us. The word says that He died that we might enter into life. His wish is to save us and give us life. This is shown when Jesus had to deal with the possessed man. Our Lord uses his authority to deliver the man and set him free. By the deliverance, Jesus was giving this man a new lease of life. The evil spirit in the man was quick to declare Jesus as the Son of God. This authority and freedom is available for us today. Let us turn to the Lord and be saved.

Prayer: Abba Father, we pray for the grace to live in obedience and love, never fearing the arrival of our Lord. Amen.