The scripture readings for this reflection can be found at Memorial of Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, Virgin | USCCB
As we get closer to the end of the liturgical year and start the new church year with the First Sunday of Advent on November 30th, the gospel readings are starting to point towards the "end times." The Pharisees were anxious to see the Kingdom of God come and be face to face with God in the glory of heaven.
Jesus helps them to refocus and has them realize that the Kingdome of God is all around us in the here and now. Eventually, the end of the world will occur, but we don't know when that will be. The Lord is telling them (and us) to not be so concerned about when the end will come but rather focus on the fact that God is present every moment we're alive in the here and now. Jesus is reminding us to not worry about what will happen at the end of the world, but to focus on the fact that we need to live out our lives now by following the Ten Commandments, and by loving God and neighbor. Worrying about the end of the world and the Coming of the Kingdom of God is a waste of time. What we need to focus upon is how we are living out our lives, knowing that God is always present.
Let us always focus on the fact that God is with us and ask him to help us grow ever closer to him by how we live our lives. Let us pray often, reflect upon scripture daily and be grateful to Him for the gift of life that he has given us.
From Arlene B. Muller
ReplyDeleteAMEN. The reminder that the end of the world is coming can be scary, but it is a reminder that the events could happen at any time (GOD'S definition of "soon" is very different from ours, because, as St. Peter wrote, "to GOD one day is like a thousand years & a thousand years is like one day"! Pentecost began the Church age & the so-called "end times", & we are living in the Kingdom of GOD & having the Kingdom of GOD within us as we await His Second Coming.
I think that in Advent we are reminded that we need to keep igilang & keep doing what is right, knowing, loving & serving GOD, striving to obey the Ten Commandments & the teaching of the Church, loving our neighbor, praying, reading Scripture, participating in Mass & the Sacraments, & seeking ongoing conversion & growth in our spiritual lives, seeking to become, with the help of GOD'S love & grace, the person's GOD wants us to be, & to fulfill the calling & mission He has given us individually.
If we keep doing this & keep CHRIST in the center of our lives, no matter what scary things might be happening, we will be right with GOD & be ready to welcome Our LORD & be welcomed by Him whenever He returns.