The readings for this Sunday clearly remind us of the end of the world and what shall come. The first reading from the book of Daniel talks about those whose names are "found written in the book". In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus talks about the "elect" being gathered after the "tribulation". I think these readings are both unsettling and comforting .
For many of us and those we know or serve, modern times are troubling. The world situation is far from stable. Family situations have many challenges that stretch us quite thin, financially and even perhaps spiritually. Even the most focused among us find some days rather hectic. At times, it can seem that we are rolling down a steep hill, out of control, with no real way of stopping or slowing down before we inevitably crash. As I wrote that, all I could think about was snow skiing and what an opposite feeling that is, once some set of skills are in place and some level of confidence kicks in.
That "set of skills" has a counterpart in Christianity. A daily routine of prayer can certainly minimize the overload we all feel at stressful times, and so can regular contact with friends and family who are God's support to us here on earth. The end of the liturgical year is a good time to slow down prayerfully as well as physically and take an inventory of our lives from God's perspective. It is also a good time to remind ourselves of the resources each of us has, primary among them, a faithful God.
Part of my spirituality is considering myself as someone whose name is written in the book of heaven and thus counted among the elect. By so thinking and praying, I try to live accordingly through the ups and downs of some pretty steep hills over the past few years. My snow skiing skills have diminished with age, but my memory of skiing has not. I know that although I had never been an expert skier, I did navigate down some steep inclines under the guidance of proper instruction, a skiing partner, self-control, and lots of prayer. I was a bit scared some times, but I did arrive safely down the slopes. I have to think of things these days in those same terms, for even though I had to go much slower than I wanted to the last time I skied, the results were the same, joy and safety.
Our faithful God will see to it that His promises come true for each of us. Our faithfulness to God will enable us to keep on the right path regardless if we are speeding, maintaining a good course, slowing down, or even stopped for a breather. Prayer and support people will help our confidence "kick" in as well. These are comforting thoughts to me as I push scary times and times of challenge behind the thoughts of emerging from difficulties with joy and safety. I will trust that thoughts of joy and safety plus a surprise view of snow-capped mountains at my new residence will counter-balance whatever tribulations are still on the horizon or those still to come.
(Comments to Lanie at lanieleblanc@mindspring.com.)