22nd Week in Ordinary Time: Tuesday 3rd September 2019

In the first letter to the Thessalonians, Paul warns the believers about the coming of the Day of the Lord. It will come upon them when they least expect it because the Lord will come like a thief in the night. No one will be able to escape the judgement that will take place that day.

Paul informs his readers, however, that Christians, who are still alive when the Lord arrives, do not have to fear or be anxious. For those who do not believe, the Day of the Lord will be a time of sudden ruin and destruction but for true believers, it will be a day of deliverance and salvation. Therefore, whether they are physically awake or asleep, or even alive or dead at the Lord’s coming, they will live in him.

The Jews in Capernaum were astounded at the person and teaching of Jesus. While in the synagogue, Jesus is confronted by a man with an unclean spirit who recognises that Jesus is the authoritative representative of God on earth. However, to demonstrate his authority over the spirit world, Jesus does not permit the demon to speak and banishes the demon. Once again, the people are amazed at Jesus’s words and deeds.

Amazement, unfortunately, does not lead to faith in him. God is in our midst, speaking, and demonstrating his power to us daily, but how many of us are really acknowledging Him and taking His commandments seriously. We are being warned today. It is time to wake up. Let us not be asleep when He comes.

Lord, help me be ready to meet You always.