PERSEVERING HOPE—BE VIGILANT
Introduction
The book of Revelation gives us today an optimistic vision of the future: the river of life leads to the tree of life. It is God and the Lamb of God that give us a wonderfully fertile and lasting life.
Still, the gospel warns us. We may not choose the easy way of indifference or evil. We shall have to give an account to the Son of Man. We have to be watchful, so that we can stand before him with confidence. But our hope is great. We are a people of hope.
Opening Prayer
Our saving God,
long ago you sent your Son Jesus among us,
but we have been too little aware of his presence
and we hide him from others.
Wake us up, make us recognize him,
that he may be the light of our lives
and that we may eagerly lead people to him.
May he build up among us and with us
a world and a kingdom of peace and love
where we serve you in one another,
as we move forward in hope
to your home of endless joy and rest.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen!
1 Reading REVELATION 22:1-7
John said: An angel showed me the river of life-giving water, sparkling like crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the street, On either side of the river grew the tree of life that produces fruit twelve times a year, once each month; the leaves of the trees serve as medicine for the nations. Nothing accursed will be found anymore. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. They will look upon his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. Night will be no more, nor will they need light from lamp or sun, for the Lord God shall give them light, and they shall reign forever and ever. And he said to me, “These words are trustworthy and true, and the Lord, the God of prophetic spirits, sent his angel to show his servants what must happen soon.” “Behold, I am coming soon.” Blessed is the one who keeps the prophetic message of this book.
Responsorial PSALM 95:1-2, 3-5, 6-7AB
R. (1 Cor 16: 22b, cf. Rev. 22: 20c) Marana tha! Come, Lord Jesus!
Come, let us sing joyfully to the LORD;
let us acclaim the Rock of our salvation.
Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving;
let us joyfully sing psalms to him. R.
For the LORD is a great God,
and a great king above all gods;
In his hands are the depths of the earth,
and the tops of the mountains are his.
His is the sea, for he has made it,
and the dry land, which his hands have formed. R.
Come, let us bow down in worship;
let us kneel before the LORD who made us.
For he is our God,
and we are the people he shepherds, the flock he guides. R.
Alleluia LUKE 21:36
Alleluia, alleluia.
Be vigilant at all times and pray
that you may have the strength to stand before the Son of Man.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel LUKE 21:34-36
Jesus said to his disciples: “Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life, and that day catch you by surprise like a trap. For that day will assault everyone who lives on the face of the earth. Be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent and to stand before the Son of Man.
Commentary
Maranâ Thâ
The current liturgical year ends today; tomorrow begins a new year. The final messages are very significant in any communication. In today’s readings, we have words of caution and hope. “Be on your guard… Watch all times and pray” are the words of caution. They ask us to be alert to the signs of the times and remain faithful. For those who remain so alert, the words of Christ – “I am coming soon” – are delightful and welcome; for, on his coming, they will find themselves citizens of the “new heavens and the new earth” wherein the light of God will envelope them always. They will drink from the rivers of life and eat of the tree of life. Hence, with John, they will excitedly respond to Jesus’ words, saying, “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus” – Maranâ thâ. (Rev. 22:20).
Intercessions
– That leaders, prophets, witnesses of the faith and all others whose task it is to stir our hope in a better world may be guided by the Holy Spirit of hope, we pray:
– That we may revive the faith and trust of people without courage and hope by building a fairer and more merciful world with them, we pray:
– That in this community we may inspire one another by our living faith and indestructible hope, and that by our love and service the Lord may live among us, we pray:
Prayer over the Gifts
God of our future,
we pray at this altar
for the coming among us of your Son Jesus Christ
in the signs of bread and wine.
Inspire us by the power of his Spirit
and sustain us in hope,
that we may fully commit ourselves
to build up among people a city
that is human, peaceful, just and fraternal
as an offering that pleases you,
our God and Father.
We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord. Amen!
Prayer after Communion
God our Father,
it was good to be here with your Son
and to receive from him the bread of hope.
Help us in our clumsy attempts
to bring to our cold world
the warmth of his love and friendship,
of his compassion and his integrity,
that people may see the day
when they can recognize among us
your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen!
Blessing
Where is God’s kingdom among us? Can people see that Christ is here among us, in our communities? We hope in the Lord, but he is also hoping in us. Let the Lord come and activate us, with the blessing of almighty God, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!