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Gospel commentary for Friday, November 15, 2024.
Purpose-driven life
In today’s Gospel, Jesus continues to address the end times and the coming of the Kingdom. He calls His followers to prepare themselves, to be vigilant and mindful, even though the exact time is unknown and not for them to determine. Instead of focusing on when this time will come, Jesus emphasises the importance of being ready in heart and spirit, grounded in His words and living them daily. The Gospel reminds us that while we live our everyday lives, we should not allow routine, consumerism, or distractions to numb us from our relationship with God.
In His teachings, Jesus compares our lives to the days of Noah and Lot, when people were so engrossed in their daily routines that they overlooked God’s presence and the need to respond. Similar to those in Noah’s and Lot’s times, we too risk missing God’s call if we aren’t vigilant. Our response to God’s call shall not be rooted in fear or speculation about the “end times,” but it helps us to live purposefully, keeping eternity in mind.
Jesus also teaches that clinging to earthly life too tightly leads to spiritual loss. Instead, true life is found in generosity and self-giving. “Whoever loses their life will save it.” We are called to trust God and live with open hearts, caring for others and trusting in the promise of God’s eternal Kingdom.
When Jesus speaks of “one being taken and the other left,” it serves as a call to nurture our relationship with God daily, regardless of external influences or worldly distractions. Spiritual death attracts judgment just as vultures gather around what is dead. Reflecting on our times, we must question ourselves whether we are able to see beyond these distractions to live in preparation for God’s Kingdom.