Last Sunday after Pentecost 22.11.15 Hope
It’s that time of year when we think especially about the end of the world.
The way things are going in the world at present it feels like the end of the world every day.
Between the terrorists and their violence, and the secularists eroding away at our beliefs and values we feel the squeeze from all directions.
Our society is descending into both physical and moral chaos.
Are we worried? To a degree, yes, but we are also filled with hope, and even joy as we draw upon our faith. The central point of our faith is that there is a God who created us, saves us, keeps all things in view and has the power at any point to intervene as He pleases.
The challenge for us is to stay calm. As in a fire drill: please proceed to the nearest exit, do not run, stay calm, gather outside until further instruction….
So we could say this for the whole of our lives: Do not panic, and wait for further instructions. Do not panic because God is with us; and wait for further instructions from Him!
So we can listen to readings like today’s Gospel and still survive. The end of the world holds no fear for us if we are in a state of grace.
Well, let us admit we would be frightened if the sky started falling in, but we understand that the grace of God would enable us to cope with any such eventuality, and we would call upon the inner joy that comes with faith.
When these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, for your redemption is drawing near.” (Lk 21,28)
A certain amount of physical turmoil is to be expected.
But more important is the spiritual reaction. We do not panic, or lose faith for anything that happens either personally or on a larger scale.
We do not break our union with God, which would be like cutting a lifeline.
There is much we do not understand about God and His plans but we get the essential idea, which is that we must stand close to Him. If I can but touch the hem of his garment (Mt 9,21).
The passages like today’s Gospel serve as a warning: God gives the human race many chances, but there is a time when time will run out. And then it is too late.
All things must pass. If we try to build a kingdom without God we will lose house, city, freedom, life, and soul.
Time runs out. How many die without a chance to recollect, let alone repent?
How fragile it all is, even the structures on which we rely.
Despite the general impression of gloom this word from God inspires us to seek deeper union with Him.
While everything shifts, we stand on the rock which does not move.
Some despair and give way to hedonism. Some find the wrong certainties, as in false religions.
This is where true religion comes in. Is there truth out there in all this madness? It is the Faith. Carefully established and proven over millennia.
When the enemies come to get you, hold on the certainties. We will stand with Him: I know that my Redeemer liveth (Job 19,25).
We keep the heavenly perspective and do not let the turbulence around us deflect or distract us.
Remember the fire drill. The required response is essentially calmness. If we keep turning up and praying each week, each day, it has to make a difference. It is like a drill what we do here. It will enable us to act coolly in whatever crisis emerges.
And the other point about the fire drill: we wait for instructions. We live our lives according to His word.
If enough people would obey Him some of these terrible things need not happen. In any event we ourselves will be ready for whatever comes.
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