God of the living.
Rev. 11:4-12; Psalm 143; Luke 20:27-40
In Rev. 11:4-12 God preserved his devoted witnesses during the period of treading down to attest to the veracity of his word and worship as well as the excellence of his methods. The two men John mentions as witnesses for God—one who brings famine and the other who brings plagues might serve as allusions to Moses and Elijah from the Old Testament.
A beast attacks the two men and kills them. But after the three and a half days the breath of life from God entered them, and they stood on their feet and were revived, demonstrating that God is more powerful and potent than the forces of evil. He has power over life and death. This serves as a reminder to us that even though we would experience suffering as a result of our faith, whether it be from starvation or pestilence, God’s strength is greater and he will honor his promises to us.
In the Gospel, Jesus helps us realize this truth further. He teaches us that marriage is not meant to last beyond this life. Most of the reasons we murder ourselves are not greater than our current existence. The resurrection’s offspring are not wed or given in marriage. Let us live decent lives as Christians, regardless of our secular or religious position, so that we can reach heaven. In all things let us know that God’s power can previal over any situation.
The Gospel calls him God of the living because for him all are alive( Luke 20:38). This means he has power over death. And so he revived the two men who were beaten by the beast in the first reading. If we live out lives conscious of eternity, like the two witneses we may go through sufferings but surely we shall be revived and given the joy of our eternal home.
LET US PRAY
Lord Jesus, have mercy and save us. Give us the grace to persevere and the wisdom to overcome darkness. Through the Holy Spirit save us from premature death. AMEN.
