November 13, 2016

 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time C Malachi 3: 19-20; 2 Thessalonians 3: 7-12; Luke 21: 5-19 We have arrived at the last two weeks in the liturgical calendar. The liturgical new year begins with the first Sunday of Advent, November 27th this year. The readings for these two weeks refocus us on the end of time. When we hear the readings, especially today’s gospel of Luke, it certain may frighten us and make us feel, ’will I make it.’ But that is really not the case. Jesus told us over and over again that if we believe in Him and live accordingly, we will be saved. He loves us and showers His love and grace on us each day so that we can be focused on being His life-agents to our world. It’s not about being frightened, but realizing each one is loved and is needed to be loving, caring, forgiving and merciful as we live the Lord’s life each day. The traditional question, ‘How would I live today if I knew it would be my last day?’ If I said ‘I would spend it in prayer’ it says much about my love for God. If I said, ‘I would continue to live as an ordinary day in loving, caring, forgiving and being merciful’, it says much about how my spiritual life and how I have put this in my daily practice routine. If I said, ‘I would just party and carouse, and do all those evil things I have been denied’, it says how God has never been a priority and that it is all about me and no one else. Each of the readings have some recommendations today. From Malachi, “But for you who fear My name, there will arise the sun of justice with its healing rays.” Malachi was written about 500 years before the birth of Jesus. The author’s name means ‘my messenger’ which seems to be based on an oracle about the coming of a messenger to prepare the way before God. (Malachi 3:1). Why did he write? The people seemed to have lost interest in serving God and were continuing to be indifferent to religion and praising and worshiping God. They wonder, ‘Why should I keep the commandments…what’s in it for me?’ To them, the wicked don’t keep the commandments and they are prospering, so there is no reason to be good. Malachi is talking about the ‘Day of the Lord’ where the just will be separated from the wicked. This will be a day of judgment and of salvation. The “Sun of Justice” will arise with its healing rays. Jesus came to set it right for all people. A very interesting reflection is to spend time hearing the voice at the final judgment…what does the voice sound like to me? Can I hear, “Well done my good and faithful servant…come share your Master’s joy.” (Matthew 25:23) He says that to each of us, what grace do I need from God today? Do not be afraid to ask. Paul wrote today to the Thessalonians, “You know how one must imitate us…we wanted to present ourselves as a model for you, so that you might imitate us.” Some people in his community felt that the end of the world, the parousia,was coming very soon. So they just wanted to stop working and sit around. Biblical scholar, Regional H. Fuller in his Preaching the Lectionary, the Word of God for the Church Today says, “This idleness was apparently occasioned by a highly concrete situation. There were members in the church at Thessalonica who, perhaps misled by some early gnosticizing movement, believed that the day of the Lord had already come. Since they thought that they were in heaven already, the curse of having to work (Genesis 3) had been removed. They could therefore eat, drink, and be merry.” Paul is sharing that it doesn’t matter how much time is left, we are disciples who are devoted to the active life of loving at all times. Luke tells us, “You will be hated by all because of My name, but not a hair on your head will be destroyed. By your perseverance you will secure your lives.” At the time of Jesus the Jerusalem Temple was an architectural masterpiece famous all over the world. We can hear Jesus saying, ’This will be totally destroyed’. The people would respond, ‘no way’. They wanted to know more, especially when this will happen. Jesus refuses to present a timeline. He says there will be people who will capitalize on this for their own intentions. So being a disciple means being patient. It requires each person to trust in God. Whatever the situation a disciple, believer, or follower is in, God is present to them and will help them, strengthen them to take one day at a time and to be love. There will be people who carry heavier burdens and need help, God gives each person help often through the gifts He has given me. So what am I doing? We are each to be Christ. Living the Word, Scripture Reflections and Commentaries for Sundays and Holy Days states, “What are we to do? We are to persevere by staying focused on the teaching and example of Jesus Christ? ‘By your perseverance you will secure your lives.’ We are to have wonder and awe in the name of the Lord. We are to look for ‘the sun of justice with its healing rays.’ We are to keep busy doing God’s work rather than minding everyone else’s business. We are to live each day as if it were our last, to paraphrase St. Francis de Sales. If we keep our eyes on Jesus and live His commandments each day, we will be ready whenever the end comes. The world will know justice. We will have a wisdom that our adversaries cannot resist or refute. That’s the truth, even if it doesn’t sell papers.” Sundays Homily Helps gives practical examples: When we help people bear their burdens, when their loads are too heavy to carry by themselves we are their Simon. We are Christ to them. And just as true, what we do for others we do for Christ (Matthew 25:40). Burdens need not be financial: 1) We can lean a listening ear to someone who is burdened by the death of a loved one. 2) We can go to the grocery store for a homebound neighbor. 3) We could relieve a young mother so she can hope without taking the children 4) we can read to a sightless person, or drive another to a doctor’s appointment 5) We can fix a meal for a new mom or someone recently home from the hospital. The list is only limited by our imagination.” I reflect on: • What do you think of people who follow charismatic leaders and go off to live in cults? How do you think it happens that some people get caught up following an errant leader? • This Gospel challenges me to defend the gospel by relying on Jesus’ grace and power. How do I feel about this? Does it frighten me? Does it give me hope? Why? • Am I confident that God’s work is being accomplished through me—even when I lack faith? • Where do I find the wisdom of God and the strength to live Jesus clearly? Sacred Space 2016 shares: “There are many temples in our world—the green cathedrals of nature and the temples of our own hearts. May my life be adorned with beauty of character, forged by a generous response to God. Words and wisdom will be given to us when we are put to the test. Have you ever experienced that what you need to say in regard to God’s affairs is given to you?