In our times of greatest darkness, do we trust in God?
In this Sunday’s gospel, Jesus reminds his disciples of
God’s power over chaos, a power first made manifest in our creation stories,
when God imposed order on the waters and on the darkness. Jesus refers here to the tribulation, when the sun
will be darkened and the moon will not give its light; he is speaking of
the cataclysm of his own crucifixion, but, as in the story of Creation, order
will win out, as Jesus’ resurrection will bring about a new age. And so it is in our chaotic hearts: we do not know when our own personal fig tree will bloom, but when it does,
we recognize that summer – that is, salvation – is near. Again, order out of chaos.
How, then, are we to live?
Above all, in relationship: know that he is near, at the gates. God seeks relationship with us, always; it’s
up to us to choose to be God’s subjects, to be (as the prophet Daniel
describes) the wise who shall shine brightly, like the splendor of
the firmament… We must choose to live faithful to the covenant, as did the
people of Israel in Daniel’s time, allowing God to show us the path to life, fullness of joys in [His] presence (Psalm). If God resides ever before us, then our hearts will be glad and our soul will
rejoice in that intimacy that is God’s love.
Only then can we hope to be made perfect
forever (Hebrews) – only if we trust fully in the power of God’s love in
our lives, and in its ability to bring order out of chaos. This is our final victory: above all, God invites us to Love.
This reflection is based on Fr. Pat's Thursday night Scripture class.
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