Ordinary 33
Ordinary 33
by Lanie LeBlanc OP

The liturgical year is coming to a close and so our weekend readings talk about the end times as well. Some modern day people still get all caught up in the impending doom of the trials and tribulations and horrors that will occur, I imagine much as the people of old did when they first read these things and wondered how long they had iuntil they happened. It seems that, at least in today's age, people are either consumed with worry about the end times or the readings are just ignored as a bunch of bunk. I think somewhere in the middle of these extremes is what was intended as where we should be and where most serious spiritual people really are.

There is a phrase in the first reading from Daniel that intrigues me and helps me focus on this middle ground: everyone who is found written in the book. The phrase generates several questions for me. Who does this include? Does it include me and those I love? Is one's name being "on the list" sufficient for this escape? Scripture scholars tell us that there is no timetable intended for the events mentioned in these writings. Because these writings were about imaginative, fanciful things intended to encourage rather than be predictions in the first place, such things will not actually happen in this way. But the escape, the book...himm, they indicate that Someone has prepared a safety net in which we all want to be at the end of time! Isn't it wonderful that, in God's wonderful way, that there is always that extra TLC for us!!??

In my mind, the safety net is Jesus and the way we get to Him is through Baptism, a belonging to the family of Jesus. Furthermore, since many Christians are baptized as infants these days, a re-affirmation of that decision is needed to indicate a desire to live the way of the Baptismal promises. How one lives every day, to me, is how that re-affirmation is made. These last weeks speak of a Promise made and a Promise kept: Jesus. Am I also living that Promise? Well, how am I living? Most of the time, I find myself surprised that another year is about over, a not-so-good testimony to the fast paced life I lead. This year, it was not so much the pace but the actual events that have blurred so much of the year. Living in the present moment and savoring each day seem ions away from where I am and where I want to be!

As I reflect on these readings, I look for glimpses of the encouragement that I seek. What have I done that will reflect Jesus? Have I been wise or led anyone to justice as in the reading from Daniel? If so, then I will shine and be like the stars, maybe not now when I feel less than bedazzling from anyone else's viewpoint, but in the eyes of God.

As Advent approaches and then Chirstmas, the imagery of the star seems to become more and more important . Perhaps this year, even though I may be unable to focus on each and every present moment, perhaps I can look at the night time stars, figuratively for the stars in each of my days, and even encourage the symbolism of the star in what I do. Anyone who has been in absolute darkness, either literally or figuratively, knows the impact of that kind of light. The Promise of Light far outweighs the fear of doom.

(Comments to Lanie at lanieleblanc@mindspring.com.)