Fr. Aidan Writes:
This week we hear in the gospel a vision of the end of times with, “the Son of Man coming in the clouds”. We have this reading because we are fast approach- ing (next weekend) the feast of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. All our weekday readings will have this flavor of reflecting upon what happens at the end of time. This is not for us to get caught up in over reading issues of today being signs of the tribulation, but rather to remind us that our life and living today should find us watching and waiting with pure hearts and clean hands.
The first reading also reminds us to turn to St Michael the Archangel to be our Guardian. Pope Francis asks us to try and remember to use the prayer to St Michael for protection(composed by Pope St Leo in the 19th century) so I include it here for us all to have and use. It was often said at the end of Mass.
“Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wicked- ness and snares of the devil; May God rebuke him, we humbly pray; And do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan and all evil spirits who wander through the world for the ruin of souls. Amen.”
God bless, Fr. Aidan Peter CJ
May God bless you, your families, and the week ahead,
Fr Aidan Peter