Readings: 2 John 4-9, Ps.119, Luke:17:26-37
Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.
ONE WILL BE TAKEN, THE OTHER LEFT
In this world we are so busy preparing, acquiring and safeguarding the things of this passing world. The streets are full of people struggling and bobbling; the markets are full of people buying, selling, cheating and chatting, and the Churches are full of people praying, singing and celebrating. Noise is everywhere; no one wants to be patient with the other, and no one wants to give way to the other. We are so busy with everything except the very essence of our existence that is, the salvation of our souls.
Little wonder, Jesus who is speaking of the 'end times' in our Gospel passage today, wants his listeners to notice how life was going on normally in the days of Noah and Lot when flood and fire consumed them. The people were engaged in their everyday activities when the disaster struck. On that night two will be in one bed: one will be taken, the other left; two women will be grinding corn together: one will be taken, the other left. No extraordinary warning, no premonition, no time to plan an escape. So, too, the Son of Man will come suddenly and unexpectedly.
Our times certainly sound very much like Noah’s days, where everyone seems so busy and distracted, unable to concentrate on what is important. But Jesus is warning us today that the time for a decision can catch us unawares. He insists that with a real sense of urgency, we need to take our lives seriously.
And St. John, in our first reading, tells us that many deceivers in the world make us too comfortable with the things of this passing world at the expense of heavenly things. Among them are those refusing to admit that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh. They are the “Deceivers”; they are the Antichrist. Hence, we must watch our actions, or all our work will be lost and not get the reward it deserves.
Dear friends, If we have not yet trusted Christ Jesus as our Saviour, we should do so now for tomorrow may be too late. If there are ugly behaviours and sins we are yet to give up, the time to do that is now. Jesus tells us that we will not have any warning signs of the coming day of judgment any more than the preaching of the Gospel. There will be no time to repent when that day comes.
Therefore, if we believe and obey, if we acknowledge our sins and trust in the mercy of God, we have to do it right now, for the day of judgment draws very near. Let us not be unaware or apathetic about its coming. Let us not be too busy and comfortable with the things of this passing world.
Know that the only way to be prepared is to live a good and holy life, a life that is based on love. For when we live this way, then the coming of the Son of Man will not be a disaster but a day of glory for our final salvation. Nonetheless, we should not be afraid to approach Jesus for mercy and restoration, all we need is an active faith.
LET US PRAY: Heavenly Father, we have become so busy with the things of this passing world while neglecting to prepare our souls for your coming. As we listened to your words today, may we realize the need to prepare our souls for your coming more than any other thing in the world. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. God bless you.
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