Readings:
Daniel 2:31-45
Daniel 3:57-61
Luke 21:5-11

Most of us fear death. Yes, no one wants to die. The finality of death scares us. Even growing old scares us. As we age, we begin to lose friends, our good looks, our health and it feels like life (with the proverbial sands of time) is slipping through our fingers. Nebuchadnezzar dreamt of this and could not make sense of it—how can a force to reckon with in world politics die? Daniel explained that Nebuchadnezzar's dream about a huge statue is the succession of different empires: his (Babylonian) Empire being the gold, the Median Empire being the silver, the Persian Empire being the bronze, the Greek Empire being the iron and the Roman Empire is the feet made of clay and iron. Notice how successive empires are worse than the earlier ones. And the stone which destroys them is God who is greater than any earthly empire. Jesus also warned the Jews of the destruction of the second Jerusalem temple. Nothing on earth lasts. We are here for a time and sooner than later, we must take a bow. One Bible passage comes to mind: “The world is passing away, along with its desires; but whoever does the will of God remains forever” (1 John 2:17).
Do you wish to live forever?
Have a relationship with the Holy Spirit.
Romans 8:11 “And if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead is dwelling in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will give Life also to your mortal bodies.”
Daily study of the Scriptures.
John 14:23, says “Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him.”
Frequent reception of the Eucharist and adoration.
"If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you" (John 15:7).
Be aware of the spirit and gifts you possess.
1 John 4:4 – “You, little children, are from God and have overcome them, because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.”
Whatever is built on God will last. Anything you build without God as your foundation will crumble.
Pray always for a sense of direction.
Use your gifts and skills to serve others.
Invest your time wisely. Your time on earth is long but eternity is much longer.
Nurture your relationship with God.
Romans 8:1 – “There is no condemnation now for those who live in union with Christ Jesus.”
JUDE-MARY OWOH
Prayer:
Ever-living God, set my heart on the things that endure. Preserve me from every distraction and undue attachment to the things of this world. Let my short stay on earth be a stepping stone to my eternal home where You live world without end. Amen.
Come, Holy Spirit, and guide my thoughts, desires, and choices. Help me know the shortness of my life so that I may be wise and live each day in union with you through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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