are you ready?
"You must be prepared." —Matthew 24:44
Jesus is coming back to take us with Him (Jn 14:3). No one can know the exact day or hour of Jesus' return (Mt 24:42). He will return at the time we least expect (Mt 24:44). Therefore, we must be always ready. We are ready for Jesus' second and final coming when:
- We are faithful, farsighted servants (Mt 24:45).
- We are working to feed people physically and/or spiritually (Mt 24:46).
- Our hearts have been strengthened and made blameless and holy (1 Thes 3:13).
- We have accepted Jesus' salvation (2 Pt 3:15).
- We are "without stain or defilement, and at peace" in God's sight (2 Pt 3:14).
- We are singing and praising the Lord (see Rv 19:1ff).
- We are "pure and follow the Lamb [Jesus] wherever He goes" (Rv 14:4).
- We have washed our robes in the blood of the Lamb and survived the great period of trial (Rv 7:14).
- We have guarded our spirits against "indulgence and drunkenness and worldly cares" (Lk 21:34).
- We are praying constantly (Lk 21:36).
Are you ready for Jesus to come back now? Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus!
Prayer: Jesus, come back now or as soon as possible.
Promise: "May the Lord increase you and make you overflow with love for one another and for all." —1 Thes 3:12
Praise: St. Monica was in a state of readiness in awaiting her Lord and prayed constantly until her husband, son, and grandson were converted.
Reference: (For a related teaching, order our tape Am I Going to Heaven? on audio AV 54-3 or video V-54.)
Rescript: †Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 11, 2009
The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.