Luke 21:12-19
Revelations 15:1-4
Luke’s passage as well as Revelations is a beautiful reminder of our choices in faith and how a choice of faith promises eternal life. When reading and reflecting on this scripture I thought of my own journey of faith. 

Preparation and Formation
My mother and maternal grandmother believed in the promises of preparation and formation and in doing so kept the candlelight burning. I am hopeful that through my commitment to preparation and formation that the candle continues to burn for my future generations. My recommendations for preparation and formation? Join a community of faithful. Participate in the rituals of formation which includes dedication or baptism of your children or grandchildren or adult friends or significant others or soon to be wives or husbands. Dedicating your life to follow Jesus is a promise toward eternal life.  

Growing Your Faith
As a child my parents were inconsistent in growing my faith. However, they ensured the seeds were planted through my baptism and surrounded me with friends and family who were a witness to their faith. Therefore, as a young adult I decided that Catholicism was my religion of choice. My commitment to growing my faith began and continues with the guidance of Jesus. My recommendations to growing your faith?  Join and belong to a community of faithful, engage in service activities to those in need, say yes when invited on a pilgrimage, participate in bible studies, read, listen to podcasts, attend a 3-4-5-7-30 day retreat. Learn about the Old Testament and its covenant and prophets and the new covenant brought forth in the New Testament. Pray continuously. When your feet hit the ground in the morning thank Jesus for blessing you with another day. Pray while in the car driving; on your daily walks or exercise; and/or before and after work meetings. Take 1-2-3 minutes or longer a day to thank God for all your blessings. 

Witness for Others
Like the martyrs who were steadfast in their faith, be a witness for others. My recommendations to be a witness? Talk about your faith, your beliefs, share how God has blessed your life even during the difficult times. Share how the trees, the animals, the weather, the sunsets, sunrises are all part of God’s creation. God’s creations are for our eyes and ears to enjoy. Be joyful in your faith, have gratitude, and share your love. 

Faithful Perseverance
Recognize that our journey of faith can take a wrong turn be paused…the evil spirit rejoices when that occurs. Be vigilant, keep your eyes and heart attune to this ….what to do? Say the Lord’s prayer…cast away the evil spirit by stating your belief in in Jesus and in God. Say the Lord’s prayer or any prayer. 

Luke 21:14-19 is a wonderful reminder to all who have faith and for those who have questions of the validity of promises Jesus made. I was curious at how the Old Testament and New Testament supported or proclaimed the message in Luke 21. In the Old Testament the prophet’s message is shared: 

Isaiah 21:11-12:
"Watchman, what of the night? The watchman said, 'Morning comes, but also night.' If you ask, 'What is the night?' then know that it is time for the Lord to come and bring judgment on the earth."

Psalm 123: 2
“Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the Lord our God until He has mercy on us.”

Jeremiah 1:9 
Then the Lord put his hand and touch my mouth. And the Lord said to me, “Behold, I have put my words in your mouth.” 

As well as the New Testament: 

Matthew 24: 42
This is the word of God. “Therefore, be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming.”

II Peter 3: 10: 
“But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up.”

Revelation 3:3
“Remember therefore what you have received and heard; and keep it, and repent. If therefore you will not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come upon you.” 

Overall, spiritual preparedness is what Jesus is asking of us. We believe Jesus is coming and we continually prepare. We are to be vigilant. Participate in formation, grow your faith, be a witness for others and persevere in your faith. Your eternal life with family and friends will be heavenly.