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Men of Epiphany will be meeting this Saturday, November 18th, 6:30 a.m. in the Hearth room. We are resuming our use of these study reflections, so if you can make it, it is a marvelous preparation for this week's Mass readings.

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Jesus Second Coming, A Source of Joy and Hope for Ourselves and Others

Sunday, November 19, 2006
Daniel 12:1-3
Psalm 16:5,8-11
Hebrews 10:11-14,18
Mark 13:24-32

Click here for readings  (For quick review only; bring your Bible)

Jesus will return again at the end of time. We may not understand all the details of his return, but we can be confident that it will happen. How should we react to this? What should be our attitude? Put briefly, Jesus wants us to be confident and secure in him every day of our lives. He also wants that security to move us out into the world, offering those around us the same reasons for confidence that we have.

Do you know that your name is written in the book of life? That it’s written in the blood of Christ and cannot be erased? Do you know that salvation is a promise from God for all who are baptized into Jesus and who are striving to follow him? Forgiveness of sins has occurred, and it is always available, so you’re very safe. Jesus is the author and perfecter of your faith—not you. He has won your salvation and he will keep it safe so long as you stay close to him. The security of your life rests in Christ and your faith in him.

Such confidence in Christ should move us not only to feel secure but also to reach out to others. The more we know our position in Christ, the more we will feel compelled to “shine like the brightness of the firmament” and to “turn many to righteousness” (Daniel 12:3). Nothing has a more powerful effect on people than the witness of someone whose life has been touched and lifted up by the love and presence of Christ.

As we await the return of our Messiah, let’s share our joy and hope. Let’s reach out in faith and invite people into the kingdom of God. Whenever the signs of Jesus’ second coming occur, let’s stand secure, peaceful, and joyful. As we do, we will become pillars of strength for all those who don’t yet know the salvation that’s available to them!

“Lord Jesus, I worship and praise you for your great work of salvation. Thank you for securing your kingdom for all of us. Thank you for the security that we can have in you.”

Questions for Reflection/Discussion by Catholic Men

1.     As the Church approaches the end of the liturgical year we are asked to focus on the very difficult subjects of death and judgment and sin. This week is a good time to pause and reflect on the reality of sin’s inroads within us. What particular steps can you take this week to let God’s light shine on any areas of darkness in your mind and heart and to reveal more deeply the sad reality of sin?

2.     In the first reading. we are reminded that at the resurrection of the dead, “some shall live forever, others shall be an everlasting horror and disgrace” (Daniel 12:2). What is your reaction to the words the author of Daniel uses to describe Hell? In what way is it or isn’t it in line with your own image? In the light of God’s holiness and judgment on sin, and the graphic description of Hell used in the reading, what steps can you take to grow in your relationship with the Lord and to grow in holiness?

3.     In the Responsorial Psalm, we are told of the confidence we should have in God who rewards his “faithful one.” How does the Psalmist describe those rewards? Kneel at the foot of a cross with the men in your group, and ask the Lord (who has already forgiven your sins) what you can do to love him more deeply, and serve him and others this week. Share what God reveals to you with the other men.

4.     In the Letter to the Hebrews, we are again reminded that we don’t face judgment in fear and trepidation but in confidence, knowing that Christ has already paid the price for our sins. Take a few minutes to compose your own prayer of gratitude to God for all he has done for you and share it with the other men.

5.     The Gospel reading exhorts us to be watchful regarding “signs” of Jesus’ second coming. What are some of the differences between Jesus first coming and his second coming? What do you think are some of the signs of his second coming? How can you as a Catholic man better prepare for his second coming?

6.     In the meditation, we hear these words, “As we await the return of our Messiah, let’s share our joy and hope. Let’s reach out in faith and invite people into the kingdom of God. Whenever the signs of Jesus’ second coming occur, let’s stand secure, peaceful, and joyful. As we do, we will become pillars of strength for all those who don’t yet know the salvation that’s available to them!” Are there some members of your family that don’t know the joy and hope that comes from knowing that God loves them, their sins are forgiven through the blood of Jesus shed on the Cross, and one day Jesus will come again to restore all things to himself, including all his faithful followers? What steps can you take to reach out to them?\

7.  In what ways does reflecting on Jesus’ second coming give us joy and hope? Discuss some parts of your life where the Lord may be asking you to be more trusting and confident in his love.

Come Holy Spirit!  ~  Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful, and en kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your spirit and they are created, and you renew the face of the earth. Let us pray: O God, you taught the hearts of your faithful by sending them the light of your Holy Spirit. In that same spirit give us your right judgment and the joy of your consolation. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen

Prayer to St. Joseph  ~  Glorious St. Joseph, guide and protector of the Holy Family, we ask that you obtain for us from your son, Jesus, the strength and wisdom to lead our families to their Father in heaven. Most Chaste spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, may we imitate your obedience to the will of God and be ever mindful of the vocation to which we have been called. Amen