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Thursday, August 27, 2009

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St. Monica


1 Thessalonians 3:7-13
Psalm 90:3-5, 12-14, 17
Matthew 24:42-51

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are you ready?

"You must be prepared." —Matthew 24:44

Jesus is coming back to take us with Him (Jn 14:3). No one can know the exact day or hour of Jesus' return (Mt 24:42). He will return at the time we least expect (Mt 24:44). Therefore, we must be always ready. We are ready for Jesus' second and final coming when:

  1. We are faithful, farsighted servants (Mt 24:45).
  2. We are working to feed people physically and/or spiritually (Mt 24:46).
  3. Our hearts have been strengthened and made blameless and holy (1 Thes 3:13).
  4. We have accepted Jesus' salvation (2 Pt 3:15).
  5. We are "without stain or defilement, and at peace" in God's sight (2 Pt 3:14).
  6. We are singing and praising the Lord (see Rv 19:1ff).
  7. We are "pure and follow the Lamb [Jesus] wherever He goes" (Rv 14:4).
  8. We have washed our robes in the blood of the Lamb and survived the great period of trial (Rv 7:14).
  9. We have guarded our spirits against "indulgence and drunkenness and worldly cares" (Lk 21:34).
  10. We are praying constantly (Lk 21:36).

Are you ready for Jesus to come back now? Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus!

Prayer:  Jesus, come back now or as soon as possible.

Promise:  "May the Lord increase you and make you overflow with love for one another and for all." —1 Thes 3:12

Praise:  St. Monica was in a state of readiness in awaiting her Lord and prayed constantly until her husband, son, and grandson were converted.

Reference:  (For a related teaching, order our tape Am I Going to Heaven? on audio AV 54-3 or video V-54.)

Rescript:  †Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 11, 2009

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