The Sun will be Darkened

As we approach the end of the year, the Church encourages us to reflect on the end of times. And this week’s Gospel Mark 13: 24-32 captures this sentiment ‘In those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken.’

Reflecting on these words, I thought of the many who have experienced such things this year. I think of those whose lives have been torn apart by wars, the many impacted by disastrous weather patterns, the thousands fleeing political persecution and those who have lost their health, jobs or loved ones. They have all seen the sun darkened and the moon not giving its light.

The modern world has promised so much. Yet, for so many it has been stars falling from the promised heaven. With all its advancements in technology, promises of progress, and pursuit of global unity, it painted a picture of a near-perfect future—a heaven on earth.

For many, these promises have turned to disillusionment. This reality confronts us with a sobering truth: the world’s promises are fragile and often fleeting. It challenges us to relook at how we approach these times. From naivety to a calculated resilience.

I strongly believe we have to adopt an attitude and a way of living that can best be captured by the Way of Jesus, the Beatitudes and Kingdom of Heaven values. The contemporary phrase for this is a new lifestyle.

It is a contemplative lifestyle of prayer, family, community and methodical work. It is acknowledging the brokenness around us, preparing for uncertainty, and building communities with systems of care and support. It requires a deep trust in God’s providence, a willingness to endure with patience, and an active commitment to being instruments of peace and hope in a fractured world.

This is the purpose of my online Ministry of the Word, to offer Biblical themed guidance to live this lifestyle. First, through this newsletter on the weekly Gospels, but also through the various membership programs and books.

This week, based on requests from subscribers, I launch a new program to help persons develop their careers and income streams, while staying true to this lifestyle. Please have a view of the embedded video below and then click on the link to join the program. Career and Income Development Video Link Career and Income Development Membership Link

Also, the Benedictine Spirituality Program guides you into living this lifestyle. You can access it at the following link Benedictine Spirituality LINK

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