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Saturday, December 2, 2017

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Daniel 7:15-27
Daniel 3:82-87
Luke 21:34-36

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setting your watch

"So be on the watch." —Luke 21:36

On this last day of the Church's year, the Lord commands us to:

  • Watch and "pray constantly for the strength to escape whatever is in prospect, and to stand secure before the Son of Man" (Lk 21:36).
  • Watch and abstain lest our "spirits become bloated with indulgence and drunkenness and worldly cares" (Lk 21:34).
  • Watch and obey the Lord (Dn 7:27), Who alone "delivers us from the wrath to come" (1 Thes 1:10).
  • Watch and thank "God the Father always and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Eph 5:20).
  • Watch and rejoice, for the Lord commands us to rejoice in Him always (Phil 4:4).
  • Watch and forgive seventy times seven times (Mt 18:22).
  • Watch and witness, for we are His witnesses, beginning where we are and then to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8).
  • Watch and love, for without love even the greatest works are of no value (1 Cor 13:1-3).

The Lord repeatedly commands us to watch, for:

  • He is always with us (Mt 28:20).
  • We are tempted daily and frequently.
  • The devil is "like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour" (1 Pt 5:8).
  • Death is at the door.
  • The world could end at any time.
  • Jesus is coming soon.

"So be on the watch" (Lk 21:36).

Prayer:  Father, send the Holy Spirit to help me watch.

Promise:  "The holy ones of the Most High shall receive the kingship, to possess it forever and ever." —Dn 7:18

Praise:  When Thomas decided in prayer to forgive, his blood pressure went down.

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, March 3, 2017

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