Ordinary 33
Ordinary 33
by Lanie LeBlanc OP

I was a bit puzzled when I began reading this Sunday's readings:

Did I miss a week in the liturgical year? I know that the tone of the readings changes as the liturgical year comes to an end, but I did not recall it seeming so abrupt. Words like distress, horror, disgrace, and tribulation certainly do get our attention, at least initially. What is our reaction once we catch our breath though? Do we remain startled and move into panic mode? Do we lull ourselves into inaction and complacency by dismissing them?

The authentic Christian's reaction should lean more towards looking a little deeper into what is being said and developing a more moderate perspective about these passages.

We know that Scripture reflects the times of the writer and so we know that such descriptions have a particular context. Dwelling on that context as it was then or on whatever present "distress" occupies our thinking now, I think, is to get stuck in the inescapable mud of life. Whether it be a personal feeling or one generated by a natural catastrophe or even a general concern for world events, we seem to be bombarded by reasons to feel somewhat hopeless. Reading the Scriptures more carefully will leave us with a different message, however. The point of these particular passages, I believe, is to render hope in whatever the times that seem so very hopeless. That is a universal message from God.

The reading from the Book of Daniel reminds us that "everyone who is found written in the book" especially the wise and those who lead others to justice "shall escape" and "be like the stars forever". In the selection from the Gospel according to Mark, Jesus tells the disciples that even as "the powers in the heavens" are being shaken, the Son of Man will send an angel to gather the elect from the four winds. Shifting one's emphasis away from what seems like doom and gloom allows for more choices. It also gives one some vision about and past the present moment. What might more productive choices be?

In my opinion, we need to acknowledge the problems around us and in our world and then find ways to help ourselves and others be among the wise and those who seek justice even in the midst of turmoil. In that way, we will be part of the kingdom; in that way we will also be building the kingdom. Since no one except the Father knows the day or the hour, we need to be about doing the will of the Father as was Jesus. We need to make choices that sustain hope.

Let us pray that we may look beyond what might seem scarey or hopeless. Let us pray that we may not ignore the signs of our times nor miss the opportunity to be part of the solution to our and others' problems. Let us pray that the faithfulness of our God may remain our focal point as we journey through life here on earth and prepare for the happier end of the journey in heaven.

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