Today’s readings center on the signs that will warn us of the end. It is not meant to scare us, but to remind ourselves to prepare for the end. The Father loves us and wants us to live with Him forever, in His heart. Therefore, He wants us to prepare ourselves for what will come.

From the book of Daniel, the first reading paints a picture of what the last days of the world will be like. The second reading and Gospel acclamation give us an idea of how we can prepare ourselves.

Today’s second reading from St. Paul’s letter to the Hebrews says, “For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy” (Hebrews 10:14). When we accept that the Lord Jesus offered Himself as a sacrifice for our sins, we are being made perfect throughout our lives, until the day when we come face to face with the Father.

The Gospel acclamation says, “Be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the strength to stand before the Son of Man.” This is the key to preparing ourselves for the end. It is by building a relationship with the Father through personal prayer and doing what He tells us to do. When we accept that the Lord Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross brought us salvation and we learn to journey with Him throughout our lives, we will be preparing ourselves for an eternity in the Father’s heart.

Today’s Psalm explains what prayer and a relationship with God can do for us. Psalm 16:11 says, “You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.” Through prayer the Lord can guide us and show us the right way to live.

Last year, when Dr. Scott Hahn gave a talk to the Risen Lord Community, he said when we reach the point of death, we do not have to be scared because the Lord Jesus gave up His life as a gift of love and turned death into a sacrifice. When we reach heaven, it will be nothing in comparison to this life on earth. Therefore, we must prepare ourselves by making God a priority in our lives. Waking up each morning to sit before the Lord and asking Him to transform us into His holiness; to take away fear or anxiety we have and replace it with His love. This will be our preparation for eternity.

Prayer: Abba Father, I accept you as my Lord and Saviour, prepare me now for an eternity with you. Amen