My children enjoy reading books in the "Pick Your Own Adventure" series. These books are written with multiple endings. At several critical points in the story, the author asks the reader to choose what should happen. The ending of the story varies depending upon the reader's choices. My kids often re-read the story and change their answers until they find the happy ending.
Jesus, the Author of Life (Acts 3:15), likewise longs for a glorious ending for each of us. On this last day of the Church year, He is pausing the story to put various choices before us.
Will you escape from reality through immersion in TV, movies, sports, tobacco, alcohol, or other substances? (Lk 21:34) Will you be absorbed in "worldly cares"? (Lk 21:34) Will you deny Jesus' kingship over you through a lifestyle which ignores Him? If you answered "No," skip to the final paragraph. If you answered "Yes," continue.
If you ignore Jesus' warnings about the last day and do not change your lifestyle accordingly, "the great day will suddenly close in on you like a trap" (Lk 21:34). "There will be no escape" (1 Thes 5:3). After your last day on earth, the season of His mercy will be over and all that remains is "a fearful expectation of judgment and a flaming fire to consume the adversaries of God" (Heb 10:27). Therefore, repent now! (Sir 5:8-9; 2 Cor 6:2)
If you accept Jesus as your Lord on His terms, you will choose holiness daily (Mt 6:33) and, instead of being immersed in the things of the world, will live your baptismal immersion in Him. You will be a holy child of God and possess His kingdom forever (Dn 7:18, 22, 27). "Let this, then, be the end" (2 Mc 15:39).
| PRAYER: | Jesus, receive my life. I accept You as Savior and Lord. |
| PROMISE: | "The holy ones of the Most High shall receive the kingship, to possess it forever and ever." –Dn 7:18 |
| PRAISE: | Thomas and his wife Mary pray together at least once daily. |
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