Thirty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
Malachi 3: 19-20a Response: Psalm 98: 5-9 Thess. 3: 7-12 Luke 2: 5-1
As we approach the end of the liturgical year, as always, the dark side of Scripture is presented. Our liturgy is the life of the church brought to us in pieces each time we come together on Sunday, or a funeral, wedding, Baptism or other occasions. Suffering and joy and all the in betweens create life in so many forms.
In light of these end times readings, there can be found three issues to put things in perspective:
1. We are made for God. 2. Our only need is God. 3. Our destiny is in God, and we were created to be brought to it.
History is full of atrocities endured because people were in the wrong place at the wrong time, or their belief in what was firmly planted within was challenged, and a violent reaction was their demise. The gift of perseverance allows some to "march into hell for a heavenly cause." To Dream the Impossible Dream is the challenge for Christians.
Contemplative prayer allows us to find the God within. Time spent on this discipline will be the true resource for finding what is of value in the world and preserving it for others. There is so much available out there, but the wealth within can be discovered, it only we take the time to close out the surroundings and go inside where that God has always existed since we were formed in the womb.
Just as Jesus knew his destiny, we too know our end time will come. A life of faith and trust in God lived with love of self and others will set the stage for an end time, not to be feared or dreaded, but a time to reflect on and give thanks for what has been.
Prayer: The souls of the just are in the hand of God and no torment shall come over them for they are at peace.
Sister Dorothy Maxwell, O.P.
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