The Catholic Calendar for Friday, December 1, 2000
The Thirty-Fourth Week in Ordinary Time
Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Full text: http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/index.htm
Revelation 20:1-4,11--21:2
Psalm 84:3-6,8
Luke 21:29-33
A Reflection on Today's Scripture:
The readings of this week from Revelation, thought to be written
largely by Saint John the apostle at the time he was banished to the
island of Patmos, continue to reflect on the End Times. Saint Luke in
Chapter 21, similarly reflects upon recognizing "endings" in nature,
such as in the fig tree.
One can personalize these concepts or look at the Church as a whole.
In either case we'll encounter the possibility, the HOPE of the first
resurrection, that of the soul to the life of glory; whereas the
second resurrection which will be that of the body, comes at the
general judgment at a time known only by the Father.
The closing of the Church year offers us the opportunity to reflect
on our own personal relationship with the Trinity and our role within
the Church. It also reminds us of the respect and honor we owe
ourselves and others because of this role we have in the kingdom. We
can feel assurance knowing that due to the passion of Christ the
power of Satan has been limited. The Blood of Christ received in the
Eucharistic Sacrifice serves both as a shield and a source of
empowerment to serve as an example and to bring the Good News to
others.
Another theme from today's Scripture, is the contrasting one of our
loss of control. As humans, we have very limited control over nature
and virtually none over the seasons. Indeed, our own days are
numbered! When we begin to experience these changes in ourselves,
both physical and mental, brought on by aging and/or illness, we can
offer them as our little gift ....as a source of further union to the
perfect Gift on the cross, in the person of Christ.
Lord,
give us the wisdom
to accept the things we cannot change in ourselves
and to use them as our gift to You! Amen.
- Joan of Jesus, OCDS
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