We are nearing the end of the liturgical year. In these last few weeks, the readings center on eschatological themes, reflecting on the end times and Christ’s Second Coming.

The first reading speaks of a time of great distress and the ultimate triumph of God’s people.

It highlights the promise of resurrection and eternal life for the righteous, offering hope and encouragement amid tribulation.

This passage reminds us of God’s faithfulness and the assurance of divine justice, urging us to remain steadfast in our faith.

Today’s second reading tells us that Jesus, the high priest offered himself once and for all as a sacrifice for our sins. Through this we were cleansed and made holy. Sadly, many are still unable to understand that God has forgiven our sins and we live in guilt and shame.

However, this passage is reminding us that the blood of Jesus Christ has brought complete and eternal forgiveness and our conscience can be cleansed forever.

We no longer have to live in condemnation as there is no guilty verdict, and no punishment for those who have placed their faith in Jesus. This does not mean that we will never sin again or make mistakes in our life. Instead, the “perfection” is that God has forgiven us our sins and declared us righteous in his sight and we are made worthy to approach his throne of grace with confidence, despite our sinfulness. However, we have to remain “in Christ” to be declared perfect before God.

Because of what Jesus did on the cross and our union with him we share in his victory over sin and death and are no longer subject to the law of Moses in the Old Testament, since the new covenant has perfected the old.

We should therefore rejoice and give thanks to God for this amazing grace that has been bestowed upon us.

In today’s Gospel reading Jesus gives a warning of the terrible events that will occur before his second coming.

We are witnessing many terrible events in the world today, and the passage in the second reading is a reminder to remain faithful to the word of God through prayer and thanksgiving, as Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross has perfected us for all time.

PRAYER: Abba Father, thank you for giving us your only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will have eternal life. Amen.