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Life on Earth is temporary

Gospel
Matthew 10:17-22
The Spirit of your Father will be speaking in you

Jesus said to his disciples: ‘Beware of men: they will hand you over to sanhedrins and scourge you in their synagogues. You will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them and the pagans. But when they hand you over, do not worry about how to speak or what to say; what you are to say will be given to you when the time comes; because it is not you who will be speaking; the Spirit of your Father will be speaking in you.
    ‘Brother will betray brother to death, and the father his child; children will rise against their parents and have them put to death. You will be hated by all men on account of my name; but the man who stands firm to the end will be saved.’

Reflection
Every year on the second day of Christmas we are brought back from the joy of celebrating the birth of Christ to the impending death of Christ on the cross. It reminds of what Christ said the disciples will fast when the bridegroom is no more. The grim reality is the joy on earth like everything else is temporary. Are you preparing your life for the kingdom of God?

Let us pray
Lord Jesus today you remind us as we celebrate the joy of Christmas that life is temporary on earth. May we stay focussed as we journey towards your kingdom.

Amen





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