Today’s Readings:
2 Corinthians 3:4-11
Psalm 99:5-9
Matthew 5:17-19
Nearly 2,000 years ago, Pompeii was a bustling city located in what is now southern Italy. But in the summer of A.D. 79, the nearby Mount Vesuvius volcano erupted. Its deafening boom roared through Pompeii’s crowded marketplace. The ground shook violently, throwing midday shoppers off balance, toppling stands of fish and meat. People screamed and pointed toward Mount Vesuvius. It spewed smoke and toxic gas 30 kilometres into the air, which soon spread to the town. Almost overnight, Pompeii—and many of its 10,000 residents—vanished under a blanket of ash. Some residents escaped the city, while others took shelter in their homes. But the ash kept falling. Piles grew as high as nine feet in some places, blocking doorways and caving in roofs. Around midnight, the first of four searing-hot clouds of ash, rock, and toxic gas (also called surges) rushed down the volcano. Nearly 19 hours after the initial eruption, the city was completely covered in a deadly mix of ash and rock.
Scientists who excavated the remains of Pompeii believe that it was a prosperous town, which attracted Roman tourists. Well-paved streets had high sidewalks and stepping-stones to keep pedestrians out of the mud. To relax, people soaked in public baths, watched gladiators or chariot races at an amphitheatre, and enjoyed plays in two theatres. How long do you hope to live? Are you aware that life can end in a snap of a finger? The average inhabitant of that city had no clue that they were living through the last day of their lives. They were not the most corrupt people of their time. But the suddenness with which life ends should make us ask ourselves if we are living as Christians and if we are ready for Christ’s return. His return is certain and we declare it at every celebration of the Mass: “We proclaim your death, O Lord, and profess your resurrection, until you come again”.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus reminds us, “I tell you solemnly, till heaven and earth disappear, not one dot, not one little stroke, shall disappear from the Law until its purpose is achieved.” God’s law of love is that we make our relationship with Him our number one priority and that we care about one another. The Spirit of the law prompts us to do what we can to ensure that our society is moral and safe, and that resources are shared equitably. At the end of our lives, we shall be judged righteous or sinful to the extent that we lived by God’s law of love. Live today as if it is your last. Do what you can for the good of others, no matter how small you think your effort is. God will crown all your good works with His blessings.
MARY-JUDE OWOH
Prayer:
I WILL LOVE You, O Lord, my Strength.
The Lord is my rock, and my fortress and my deliverer.
My God, my strength, my trust, my shield and the horn of my salvation my strong hold.
I will always call upon the Lord who is worthy to be praised.
Heavenly Father, your Word shall never pass away. Help me to make it the cornerstone of my existence, to study it daily and live it out in my actions, in Jesus name.
My Help me to live each day as though it were my last and grant me peace and joy always, in Jesus name.
By Your mercy help me to live out my days in your holiness, in Jesus name.
Lord guide the footsteps of our children, our youth and young adults in your paths of righteousness.
Uphold the body of Christ with your love and boldness to preach the Gospel of our Christ, in Jesus name.
Lord, grant our leaders Your love, wisdom, listening ears, and a teachable heart to lead the nation forward, in Jesus name. Amen.
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