Living Faithfully in the Light of Christ's Return
Summary
As we gather in prayer today, we find ourselves nearing the end of the liturgical year, a time that invites reflection on the ultimate reign of Christ the King. This period reminds us of the profound revelations found in scripture, where God unveils His truths through the writings of prophets like Daniel and the visions of St. John in Revelation. These texts reveal events that have already transpired, those occurring in the time of Jesus, and those yet to come. They challenge us to discern what God is revealing to us in our present moment.
The scriptures often speak of apocalyptic events, using imagery of darkened skies and celestial upheaval to symbolize times of great tribulation. These descriptions remind us of the chaos and destruction that have marked human history, including the fall of Jerusalem and the wars of the past century. Yet, Jesus emphasizes that no one knows the exact timing of the end, not even the angels or the Son, but only the Father. This uncertainty calls us to focus not on predicting the end but on living faithfully in the present.
In our daily lives, we are called to use our God-given reason to navigate the world, discerning the signs of the times and aligning our actions with God's will. Jesus' teachings, often conveyed through simple parables, urge us to consider the consequences of our actions and the kind of world we are creating. Are we living in a way that reflects the love and justice of God? Are we prepared for the judgment that will come at the end of our lives?
As we contemplate these questions, we are reminded of the role of Michael the Archangel, the defender of God's people. We pray for his guidance and protection, seeking to live lives ordered toward Christ. In doing so, we ground ourselves in the reality of God's creation and His ultimate judgment. We are encouraged to cast out fear, which hinders our growth and engagement with the present moment. Instead, we focus on what God is asking of us today, trusting that by pleasing Him, all else will fall into place.
Key Takeaways:
- The scriptures reveal God's truths across time, challenging us to discern His message for our present lives. We are called to understand the past, recognize the signs of the times, and live faithfully in anticipation of Christ's return. [02:13]
- Jesus emphasizes the importance of using our reason to navigate the world, discerning the consequences of our actions. We are urged to consider what we are creating in our relationships and communities and whether it aligns with God's will. [04:10]
- The uncertainty of the end times calls us to focus on living faithfully in the present, rather than predicting the future. Jesus reminds us that only the Father knows the timing, urging us to trust in God's plan and live in accordance with His teachings. [07:25]
- Fear can hinder our spiritual growth and engagement with the present moment. Jesus encourages us to cast out fear, focusing instead on what God is asking of us today and trusting that by pleasing Him, all else will fall into place. [09:50]
- We are reminded of our responsibility to contribute positively to the world, the church, and our families. Our actions should reflect the love and justice of God, preparing us for the judgment that will come at the end of our lives. [09:50]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[02:13] - Understanding Revelation
[04:10] - Signs of the Times
[07:25] - Living in the Present
[09:50] - Responsibility and Judgment
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Daniel 12:1-3 - This passage speaks of Michael the Archangel and the end times, reflecting on the themes of protection and judgment.
2. Mark 13:24-32 - Jesus speaks about the end times, emphasizing the unknown timing and the importance of being prepared.
3. Revelation 1:9-20 - St. John's vision of Christ and the end times, highlighting the revelation of past, present, and future events.
#### Observation Questions
1. What are some of the apocalyptic events described in the sermon, and how do they relate to historical events like the fall of Jerusalem? [04:10]
2. How does Jesus use parables to convey the importance of discerning the consequences of our actions? [07:25]
3. What role does Michael the Archangel play according to the sermon, and how is he depicted in the Bible passages? [04:10]
4. How does the sermon describe the use of celestial imagery in the Bible to symbolize times of tribulation? [02:13]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the sermon suggest we should interpret the apocalyptic imagery in the Bible? What is its relevance to our present lives? [02:13]
2. In what ways does the sermon encourage us to use our God-given reason to navigate the world? How does this align with Jesus' teachings? [04:10]
3. How does the sermon address the uncertainty of the end times, and what does it suggest about our focus in the present? [07:25]
4. What does the sermon imply about the role of fear in our spiritual lives, and how can we overcome it? [09:50]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt lost or uncertain about the future. How can the teachings from the sermon help you find peace in the present moment? [07:25]
2. Consider your daily actions and decisions. How can you ensure they align with God's will and reflect His love and justice? [04:10]
3. How can you actively seek the guidance and protection of Michael the Archangel in your life? What specific prayers or actions can you incorporate? [04:10]
4. Identify an area in your life where fear is holding you back. What steps can you take to cast out that fear and trust in God's plan? [09:50]
5. Think about your relationships and community involvement. How can you contribute positively and prepare for the judgment that will come at the end of your life? [09:50]
6. How can you use your reason and discernment to recognize the signs of the times in your own life and community? [04:10]
7. What practical steps can you take to live faithfully in anticipation of Christ's return, focusing on the present rather than predicting the future? [07:25]
Devotional
Day 1: Discerning God's Message in Our Time
In the scriptures, God reveals His truths across different eras, challenging us to discern His message for our present lives. This involves understanding the past, recognizing the signs of the times, and living faithfully in anticipation of Christ's return. The writings of prophets like Daniel and the visions of St. John in Revelation provide insights into events that have transpired, those occurring during Jesus' time, and those yet to come. These revelations invite us to reflect on what God is communicating to us today and how we can align our lives with His will. [02:13]
Daniel 12:4 (ESV): "But you, Daniel, shut up the words and seal the book, until the time of the end. Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase."
Reflection: What is one way you can actively seek to understand God's message for your life today, and how can you apply it in your daily actions?
Day 2: Navigating Life with God-Given Reason
Jesus emphasizes the importance of using our God-given reason to navigate the world, discerning the consequences of our actions. His teachings, often conveyed through simple parables, urge us to consider the kind of world we are creating in our relationships and communities. Are our actions aligned with God's will, reflecting His love and justice? This calls for a thoughtful examination of our daily choices and their impact on those around us. [04:10]
Proverbs 2:6-9 (ESV): "For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity, guarding the paths of justice and watching over the way of his saints."
Reflection: Think of a recent decision you made. How did you use your reason to ensure it aligned with God's will, and what was the outcome?
Day 3: Living Faithfully in Uncertainty
The uncertainty of the end times calls us to focus on living faithfully in the present, rather than predicting the future. Jesus reminds us that only the Father knows the timing of the end, urging us to trust in God's plan and live in accordance with His teachings. This perspective encourages us to be present in our daily lives, making choices that reflect our faith and commitment to God's kingdom. [07:25]
Matthew 24:36 (ESV): "But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only."
Reflection: How can you practice living faithfully in the present moment today, trusting in God's plan for your life?
Day 4: Casting Out Fear to Embrace Growth
Fear can hinder our spiritual growth and engagement with the present moment. Jesus encourages us to cast out fear, focusing instead on what God is asking of us today. By trusting that pleasing God will lead to everything else falling into place, we can overcome the barriers that fear creates and fully engage with the opportunities for growth and service that God presents to us. [09:50]
1 John 4:18 (ESV): "There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love."
Reflection: Identify a fear that is holding you back spiritually. How can you invite God's perfect love to help you overcome it today?
Day 5: Reflecting God's Love and Justice
We are reminded of our responsibility to contribute positively to the world, the church, and our families. Our actions should reflect the love and justice of God, preparing us for the judgment that will come at the end of our lives. This involves a conscious effort to live in a way that honors God and serves others, embodying the principles of love, justice, and mercy in all that we do. [09:50]
Micah 6:8 (ESV): "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"
Reflection: In what specific ways can you reflect God's love and justice in your interactions with others today?
Quotes
"And you know, in the first century world, in an Old Testament world, they used the sun, the moon, the stars to tell time. They used them to pave the way for them. It was their calendar. I mean, obviously, ours is still based on it and somewhat these days, although we don't really think about it often." [00:03:55] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Over and over and over again Jesus tries to ground us in our commonsensical understanding of what's going to happen and what's happening in our lives and what we ourselves are doing by the way we live our lives. What we're creating in the world around us in our spousal relationships, our families, everything we do and encounter on a daily basis." [00:06:22] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"What's this going to produce? What's this going to be in your life? Take the time to ground yourself in it, and is that what you want? Is that what you want to be creating? Is that the judgment that you're looking forward to based on what you're saying and doing in that given situation?" [00:06:58] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"And the reality is we don't know when, and God doesn't want us to know when. And he could care less about knowing when those things are going to take place, because in the grand scheme of it, it doesn't have an effect on our individual judgment, when those things will take place." [00:07:25] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Fear not. Don't cast out the fear from your life because fear only gets in the way of us really grounding ourselves and what am I supposed to do right now. It keeps us focused on things that are unrealized and focused on things of the future that bring us no benefit." [00:08:19] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"What am I bringing to the church? What am I bringing to the human family? What am I bringing to my own individual family? And is it ultimately something that's worthy of explanation of Jesus Christ and worthy of a successful judgment?" [00:09:50] (12 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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