Not for those who hold in Truth the Risen Christ!!
The book of revelation also known as the apocalypse or end times is always read with fear and trembling! But the reality of the book is a message of hope for all who live under the seal of Baptism and in the name of the Risen Christ!
People want to know if the COVID – 19 is the sign of the apocalypse. Well, every disease and famine that comes through the times of the earth is a reminder of the passing things. Death always is a reminder of passing things. It is not the end of the world but it has certainly become the end of things as we once knew them. It is more a wake-up call to gifts that have been given to those who await the resurrection and the life with Christ in heaven.
Here are some encouraging words from the book of Revelation chapter 3:
8 I know your works (behold, I have left an open door before you, which no one can close). You have limited strength, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.
10 Because you have kept my message of endurance, I will keep you safe in the time of trial that is going to come to the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth.
REFLECTION
This is a time of testing the whole world!! There is nothing to fear… even though you may feel weak! The Victor, Jesus, says I will keep you safe!! This is what makes us different from those who do not believe!! Or who profess that the safety from the fear of the virus does not come through prayer!! “Jesus I Trust in You”
11 I am coming quickly!!
Hold fast to what you have, so that no one may take your crown. The victor I will make into a pillar in the temple of my God, and he will never leave it again. On him, I will inscribe the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from my God, as well as my new name.
REFLECTION
So with the fear of death all around us hold fast to what you have.. (Trust in Jesus) your faith and promise of sharing the victory over sin and death. Remember all these things that bring fear and a plague mentality are just consequences of sin and the broken nature…. But hold onto the hope of the “Crown” which has been awarded to you as a baptized faith-filled follower of Christ! You will become a “pillar” the very strength of the kingdom!!
Baptism inscribes on our soul the name of Him and the name of eternal Life! The new Jerusalem is the Church and the power of the Holy Spirit!!
So pray come quickly Lord come quickly to my aid!! Relieve me of fear and anxiety as I hold onto the crown (faith & Hope) of your promise Amen!!