Joyful Hope

We are waiting in joyful hope for the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. This sounds like a statement we might hear for Advent, which is coming soon, but it is a way of life that we need to live everyday. One of my parishioner's always tells me, "We live in hope." Yes, we do!!! Even though we see a troubled world and a society and culture that needs to be changed, we live in hope because we know that God is in control and He will have the final say whenever it is said and done. Our readings today focus once again on things that are to come, Revelation 18:1-2, 21-23; 19:1-3, 9a and Luke 21:20-28. As the commentator writes, "The Lord describes the unfathomable terrors of the last days. And yet he enjoins us to 'stand erect and raise your heads.' No terror on earth can overshadow the fact that we 'have been called to the wedding feast of the Lamb.' While the world remains 'perplexed by the roaring of the sea,' we listen with confidence to the loud voice of the 'great multitude in heaven'" (Magnificat, 388). Jesus always told his disciples, "Do not be afraid." That phrase has flowed down through the centuries and we continue to say it in our present day. Do not be afraid because God is in control. The timing is His and He will prevail and we look forward to that banquet feast in heaven. May this joyful hope fill our lives and hearts with gladness, not just during this Advent Time, but each day of our lives!!! May God Bless Our Journey!!!