Memorial of St Cecilia, Virgin and Martyr
Harvesting the earth
Rev. 14:14-19; Psalm 96; Luke 21:5-11
Oftentimes, end-time messages breed anxieties among believers. Beloved, do not be anxious about the end of time rather make conscious effort to have perfect end. Prepare and pray for a holy death; refrain from being distracted by gurus and imposters who pose as Christ. Jesus is the sole Christ; he is the one who has revealed to us the way of salvation; therefore, avoid getting sidetracked.
In his writings (Rev. 14:14-19), John describes how the world will be harvested at the end of time. The harvest of people who have followed him faithfully will be reaped by Christ. In the second comparison, an angel is depicted putting the unfaithful grapes in the winepress of God’s wrath. It is a case of harvesting the earth and trampling the winepress. If we are faithful we shall be harvested into life eternal.
Today the Church celebrates the Memorial of St Cecilia, Virgin and Martyr. Actually, very little is known about Cecilia. She is said to have married Valerian when she was a young woman; Valerian afterwards became a Christian. After the effort to suffocate her failed, Cecilia was eventually martyred by being beheaded in her own home. She was devoted all the way to the end, and her soul eventually found her heavenly King. She is the saint that watches over musicians.
LET US PRAY
O God, who gladden us each year with the feast day of your handmaid Saint Cecilia, grant, we pray, that what has been devoutly handed down concerning her may offer us examples to imitate and proclaim the wonders worked in his servants by Christ your Son. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
