In today's first Mass reading, God invites the nations to gather in the valley of decision. He tells the nations, in effect: "Bring up your weapons of war; I want to see all your military might" (see Jl 4:9). The nations think they will be fighting; in reality, they are gathering to be judged.
In the valley of decision, the angels apply the sickle to the harvest at the end of time. There is to be a reckoning, a Judgment Day. Jesus is coming again. We don't know the day or the hour (Mk 13:32). Therefore, we must be ready for His coming now. "Now is the acceptable time!" (2 Cor 6:2)
Joel is prophesying: "This is it!" The judgment in the valley of decision approaches. There is a real eternal damnation (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1022). There is a real, eternal heaven and hell (Catechism, 1023, 1033).
Accordingly, what will you decide in the valley of decision? "Decide today" (Jos 24:15). "Why delay, then?" (Acts 22:16) We've heard the Word of God on this subject. Choose Jesus, "the Resurrection and the Life" (Jn 11:25).
| PRAYER: | Father, if I don't decide today for You, I may never decide for You in the future. Help me to accept the grace You are giving me this moment. I give my life to You today, tomorrow, and forever. |
| PROMISE: | "Blest are they who hear the word of God and keep it." –Lk 11:28 |
| PRAISE: | St. Denis was born in Italy but became the Bishop of Paris. He was martyred in France on Montmartre, the "mountain of martyrs." |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College