last, but not least
“Remember, I am coming soon! Happy the man who heeds the prophetic message of this book!” —Revelation 22:7
Today, on the last day of the Church’s year, the Church proclaims to us the last chapter of the Bible. The Bible begins in an earthly paradise and ends in a heavenly paradise. The heavenly paradise is not only the restoration of the earthly paradise, but its fulfillment.
The heavenly paradise has a river of life-giving water flowing down the middle of its streets (Rv 22:1-2). On both sides of the river grow fruit-bearing trees of life (Rv 22:2). In the heavenly paradise, there are twelve growing seasons each year (Rv 22:2). There is no sin in heaven, for there God’s servants faithfully serve Him (Rv 22:3). In heaven, we will see God face to face (Rv 22:4; 1 Cor 13:12). There, all light comes directly from the Lord, not from electricity or the sun (Rv 22:5). In heaven, we will reign forever (Rv 22:5). This all may sound too good to be true, but the Lord assures us through one of His angels: “These words are trustworthy and true” (Rv 22:6).
The Lord wants to end this Church year the way He started it — by telling us He loves us. He intends to show this love by giving us the perfect happiness of heaven. Let the Lord love you.
Prayer: Father, on this last day of the Church year, may I repent of all my sins and thus remove all obstacles to receiving Your love.
Promise: “Pray constantly for the strength to escape whatever is in prospect, and to stand secure before the Son of Man.” —Lk 21:36
Praise: When praying with others, Kate just asks the Holy Spirit to let the words flow and others are amazed at how her prayer was specifically worded for their need.
Reference:
Rescript: "In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for One Bread, One Body covering the period from October 1, 2020 through November 30, 2020. Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio February 25, 2020"
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.