We look forward to the restoration of peace and justice

Rev. 18:1-2.21-23.19:1-3.9, Lk. 21:20-28. Today's first reading presents us with the vision of the fall of ‘Babylon’ as the Angel of God brings about the final defeat of the devil and forces of the wicked. God has triumphed and has won the complete victory for His faithful ones. When the Lord comes, His judgments will be true and just and will avenge the blood of God’s servants. False joys will be unmasked; futile waste of energy and flimsy securities will be swept aside and deception of this world will stop. The same dreadful mood is found in today's Gospel in the prophecy of the destruction of Jerusalem, with awful consequences for its inhabitants. It speaks of mighty disturbances in the cosmos that will terrify people everywhere. Yet, just when all is at its darkest, the Son of Man will appear in power and glory bringing redemption, liberation, to all who trust in Him.

End times will cause untold distress and fear will fill the hearts of everyone just as the destruction of Jerusalem did to it inhabitant. Today's Gospel offers us hope in such dreadful situations. We remain thankful for He gave us His Word and redeemed us from the slavery of sin. Those who hold on to His Word will not be crushed by the intensity of the hard times. They will stand erect and look up with heads high. Therefore, the gloomy picture of the end times and the disasters are ultimately not cause of concern for the believers rather a cause of great joy. In these apparent calamities the faithful will see the hand of God at work and will look forward to the restoration of peace and justice in the world. They will witness the triumph of God and fulfilment of the promises of God and the supremacy of God is being established over everything.

May the Lord renew us and may our lives be a model of His grace! Amen!! Be safe and have a joyful day!!!