Mark Chapter 13

Jesus is discussing with his disciples about the signs of the end, coming persecutions, the coming of the Son of Man, and the need for watchfulness. He is speaking about the end of the world, but he could also be telling us about the end of our lives. Are we ready to stand before the Almighty Throne? Are we ready to give an account to God of what we have done in our lives? Let us examine our lives daily to see where we stand. The Ten Commandments are our guide as how we live our lives. The first three commandments deals with our relationship with God, and the other seven deals with our relationship with one another (neighbor). Do we know the precepts of the Catholic Church? We should attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of obligation, confess our sins at least once a year, receive Holy Communion during the Easter season, observe the days of fasting and abstinence, and provide the Church with our material needs (time, talents, or treasure). In our days confession is a sacrament that we as Catholics neglect. The world tells us that sin is acceptable, and we sometimes get caught up in the lie of the devil. We go to a doctor when are bodies are feeling ill and weak to help us feel better. We exercise, eat well, take our medications, and do many other things for our bodies. We also need to take of our souls. Our souls cry out when we sin and are in need of healing. The sacrament of confession is God’s call to us to repent, to receive forgiveness, and to help us to turn away from sin. Jesus Christ tells us in Mark 1:15 to repent and believe in the gospel. Let us live a life of repentance to help us follow Jesus in our lives. Let us ask God for the grace of perseverance to the end. As we draw closer to God we need to be ready because the devil is prowling like a lion looking for someone to devour. Brothers for the ACTS retreat May 2006 I would like to read some of your comments on this Bible blog. We were all given a Bible to read and to deepen our relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

--Ruben C. Hermosillo Jr.
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