Thursday, November 26, 2020 - 34th week of Ordinary Time - Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Luke 21, 20-28 - Rise up and lift up your heads, for your redemption is at hand

When we consider these words of Jesus, which reveal the troubles in the world, fear and anxiety fill our hearts and minds. In the face of this, Jesus said to his disciples, "When these events begin, stand up and lift up your heads, for your redemption is at hand. Salvation is at the height of its perfection because Jesus, full of power and authority, came to save, to deliver from all the torments of this life. Raise your head, because salvation comes from heaven: Jesus, omnipotent, appears on the clouds. Jesus' words apply not only to the time of the apostles, but also to our own day. In the face of the events we are living through today, such as the pandemic, natural disasters, wars here and there, unrest between families? He encourages us not to panic but to look up to heaven.

Turning to God helps us to face daily challenges because we believe that God in heaven hears prayers in heaven. Heaven sets us free, so turning to it is the guarantee of our freedom. We know that life on earth is short and fragile; what strengthens it is communion with God. Prayer has an important place in our lives; to raise our head to heaven is already praying. Whatever form of fear and anxiety we face in this life, prayer ensures peace of heart and mind. So Jesus calls us to calm. Love has conquered fear; when we feel that God loves us, then we can have total trust in Him. Thus, despite all the suffering, pain and fear, they will turn into joy in the face of the love of God with which we are clothed. Amen!