As autumn sets in, it is natural to reflect on the teachings of Our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, who offers timeless guidance on how to live a life rooted in faith and purpose. October, a month filled with the changing colors of autumn and the steady approach of winter, has long been associated with reflections on the end times and divine judgment. As the year draws to a close, it naturally invites us to think about the end of things—the end of a season, the end of a chapter in our lives, or even the end of the world, as Scripture describes. This season of transition mirrors the spiritual reminder that all things will eventually come to an end and that we will one day stand before Our Lord and Creator to give an account of our lives.
The Bible speaks of the end times in several places, particularly in the Gospels and the Book of Revelation. For example, in Matthew 24:36, Jesus says, "But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only." This passage reminds us that while we do not know when the end will come, we are to live in a state of readiness, preparing ourselves spiritually for the day of judgment.
The changing of the seasons, as the days grow shorter and the nights longer, is a natural symbol of this readiness. In October, under the night sky, perhaps illuminated by the waxing moon, we are reminded of our place in Our Lord's creation and the reality that, just as the moon waxes and wanes, so too does our time on earth. The Psalmist writes in Psalm 90:12, "So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom." This passage calls us to live with an awareness of the finite nature of our time and to use it wisely in alignment with Our Lord's will.
In many Christian traditions, October is a time to reflect on the themes of the end times and judgment. As the world changes, we must examine our hearts, actions, and how well we have lived according to Christ's teachings. Revelation 20:12 speaks of the final judgment: "And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works." This imagery urges us to live in a way that prepares us for that day, reflecting on the grace, forgiveness, and love Our Lord offers us.
Everything in life is temporary. Just like the seasons change and nature goes through cycles of life and death, we, too, will experience those same cycles. But rather than fearing the end, we are called to face it with faith. Our Lord's teachings remind us that the end times and judgment aren't only about destruction or finality; they also represent a time of hope and renewal.
Our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, promises that even when things end, a new beginning is always waiting for us. In Revelation 21:4, we are reminded of this when it says, "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away." This verse shows us that after judgment, there is hope. Our Lord and Creator doesn't just leave us at the end; instead, He gives us a chance for everything to be restored and made new through Him.
The idea of the end times is not just about things ending forever. It's about Our Lord's promise to bring a fresh start, where all the pain, struggles, and hardships of this life will be gone. We are to experience a world without suffering, only peace and joy with Our Lord. We will have redemption and a new life full of His love and grace through Christ. We look forward to this new beginning with faith, knowing that Our Lord and Creator's plan for us doesn't end in sorrow but eternal hope and restoration.
Learn to trust in His promise to redeem us. Just as trees shed their leaves and prepare for new growth in spring, we, too, are preparing for a more extraordinary renewal in Our Lord and Creator's eternal kingdom.
We unknowingly seek a deeper understanding of our purpose, our Sacred Fulfillment, driven by faith and the moral compass established through the teachings of Our Lord. In this context, sacred fulfillment refers to the profound sense of purpose and satisfaction that comes from living a life aligned with Christ's teachings. This devotional reflects on the virtues of compassion, forgiveness, and love, guiding us toward a life that honors Our Lord and serves as a testament to His grace. Jesus Christ's moral teachings are not simply ideals to strive toward but are the foundation upon which we build our lives, shaping how we treat others and interact with the world around us.
"When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world."
(Matthew 25:31-34, KJV)
The coming of judgment is central to Jesus' teachings. This passage reminds us that faith and purpose are not just inward expressions but demonstrated in how we treat others. The sheep, those who embody Christ's teachings of compassion, will inherit the kingdom. Through faith, we find our purpose in serving others, and through this service, we prepare ourselves for the ultimate Fulfillment in Our Lord's eternal kingdom.
Faith is not just a belief in our hearts but a living, breathing force that calls us to action. When we examine our purpose in life, we must ask ourselves how well we are living out our faith. Are we compassionate toward others, forgiving those who wrong us, and loving even our enemies? These are not just lofty ideals — they are the principles that, when put into action, will transform our lives and determine our standing before the throne of Our Lord.
Imagine a man named David driving home one evening after a long work day. As he passes through a quiet stretch of road, he notices a car pulled over on the shoulder with its hazard lights flashing. Near the car, he sees a man, clearly in distress, sitting on the ground clutching his leg, which appears to be injured. Several other cars drive by without stopping, too busy or worried about getting involved. David slows down, unsure at first if he should stop, but something inside him stirs—a sense of compassion, a pull to help.
David pulls over, gets out of his car, and approaches the injured man. He quickly assesses the situation and offers his help. David doesn't just call for an ambulance and leave; David stays with the man, offering reassuring words and helping him to feel cared for in a moment of vulnerability. He speaks kindly, listens, and reassures him that help is coming, staying until paramedics arrive. David's actions go beyond mere obligation; they are filled with compassion and love, embodying the care that Our Lord commands us to show others.
This scene echoes the parable of the Good Samaritan, a story we all know but often overlook in the rush of our daily lives. How frequently do we pass by opportunities to show compassion, forgive, or extend love in today's world? David's story reminds us that Sacred Fulfillment can be found in simple, everyday acts of kindness. When we respond to the needs of others, we don't just help them—we fulfill our higher purpose in Christ. In these moments, guided by love and compassion, we truly experience the joy of living out our faith.
One of the most significant challenges we face is the call to forgive. Forgiveness is not easy, but it is essential for living a life that honors Our Lord and Saviour. When we forgive, we release others from the chains of resentment and free ourselves from the burden of anger and bitterness. Forgiveness is an act of faith, trusting that Our Lord will bring justice and healing according to His time. It brings a sense of liberation and peace that is truly divine.
"Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again."
(Luke 6:37-38, KJV)
Our Lord teaches us that how we treat others will ultimately shape how we are treated in return. Forgiveness and love are not just personal virtues — they are spiritual investments. By extending mercy and compassion to others, we align with Our Lord's will and, in turn, receive His abundant grace. This spiritual law reminds us that our purpose is not just to exist but to thrive in a community of love, constantly giving and receiving the blessings of Our Lord. To put it more simply, the more we invest in showing love and compassion to others, the more we will see the returns of Our Lord's grace and blessings in our lives.
As we think about Sacred Fulfillment, we must also consider what it truly means to love others as Christ loved us. Jesus' love was sacrificial, selfless, and unconditional. He reached out to those who were ignored, broken, or lost, offering them kindness and healing. When we love others the same way, we live out our purpose in the most profound sense.
Our faith is not just about our salvation; it's about being a light in the world. By showing kindness, compassion, and love through our actions, we help others see the way to Our Lord. In doing so, we live with purpose, reflecting the love of Christ in everything we do.
"As water quenches a flaming fire, so almsgiving atones for sins."
(Sirach 3:30, KJV)
This short but profound passage reinforces the principle of ethical living and the necessity of compassion. As we reflect on Jesus' teachings, we should continuously remind ourselves that almsgiving—giving to those in need—and acts of kindness toward others are not merely good deeds but are ways of fulfilling our purpose in life. They are expressions of faith that lead to spiritual cleansing and Sacred Fulfillment. The alms we give, whether in the form of financial help, time, or emotional support, are ways of aligning ourselves with Our Lord's purpose — to be His hands and feet in the world.
Faith and purpose go hand in hand with the teachings of Our Lord and Saviour. Reflecting on October's theme of the End Times and Judgment, we must consider how we live out Jesus' teachings daily. Qualities like compassion, forgiveness, and love aren't just nice-to-haves—they are essential to a life guided by faith and purpose. These virtues are at the core of how we should live, shaping our relationship with God and how we treat others. By practicing them daily, we align ourselves with Jesus' example and fulfill our purpose as His followers.
What small acts of kindness can you do today to show your commitment to living out Christ's teachings? Sometimes, the simple things make the most significant difference in someone's life. You could compliment a friend, help a neighbor with their groceries, or take the time to listen to someone who needs to talk. Small gestures, like holding the door for someone or letting someone go ahead of you in line, show kindness and compassion. It begins with one simple gesture.
This week, challenge yourself to perform one act of compassion or forgiveness for someone in need. It could be sending an encouraging message to a friend going through a tough time or helping an overwhelmed co-worker. You could even choose to forgive someone who hurt you in the past and let go of that burden. Whatever the act, let your faith guide you, and remember that every small step of kindness brings you closer to living with purpose in line with Christ's example.
"So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God."
(Romans 14:12, KJV)
Faith and purpose aren't just ideas; they come to life through the choices we make every day. One day, we will all stand before Our Lord and Creator, and it's through our actions, driven by faith, that we'll find true fulfillment. Compassion, forgiveness, and love are the key markers of a life well-lived, following the path that Our Lord and Saviour have laid out for us. As we strive to live with faith and purpose, may we find joy along the way, trusting that Our Lord walks with us in every moment.
Ultimately, it will not be about how much we have accumulated but how much we have given of ourselves to others. Our sincere actions will matter when we stand before the throne of Our Lord. May we be found on His right hand, having lived a life that reflects His eternal love and grace.
Share the Blessing
Thank you for spending time with us in reflection today. By recognizing Our Lord's hand in all things, both the blessings and the challenges, we can grow in faith and live with a heart full of thankfulness. If this devotional has blessed you, we encourage you to share it with others needing rest and peace. Let's continue to support one another in our pursuit of spiritual renewal by spreading the message of His peace.
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Together, let us journey toward deeper reflection and rest in Our Lord. May you walk in wisdom and light, always guided by His truth. In Jesus' name, Our Lord and Saviour.
