Are you ready right now for the love of God to overtake you?
It’s easy to see only references to the end times in this Sunday’s readings. The Book of Daniel speaks of a time unsurpassed in distress, while Psalm 16 invokes the netherworld, and in Mark’s Gospel Jesus speaks of the days after that tribulation. But in fact, in each case, it’s fidelity to God in the here and now, and his love for us, that truly matter. When we read what appears to be an apocalyptic text, we must remember that we are to stick with God’s kingdom, no matter how dismal things seem, and the only way to do this is to trust in the Lord, staying faithful to God and living for our hope. Daniel promises that the wise shall shine brightly, like the splendor of the firmament. The psalmist is aware of this: you will show me the path to life, fullness of joys in your presence, he sings. The psalmist is aware of God’s action in his life in the here and now, and he will continue to serve the Lord, trusting in confidence in God’s promises.
Jesus likewise shares what seem to be threatening portents in Mark’s Gospel, pointing to the end times and the judgment that is to come, when angels will gather his elect. But in fact, if we are attentive to the Lord there is nothing to be afraid of – so long as we live our lives in full recognition that the Lord is significant in our lives, and that we trust first and foremost in him. Rather than trying to predict the exact time of Jesus’ return, we must instead think about what is possible now, what we can accomplish now, in the kingdom that has come, albeit not in its fullness. Jesus, the Book of Hebrews tells us, offered one sacrifice for sins, and so we live now in hope, celebrating the forgiveness that is ours.
When we worry, it is impossible for us to focus on God’s love for us. But Jesus is here, and will reman here and accomplish things we never thought possible. Are we ready right now for the love of God to overtake us? Are we ready to embrace him, right here and now, to receive his love, to accept salvation? The Lord prepares us to open to him in the here and now, and he will be at our side, whatever comes. Get ready!
This post is based on Fr. Pat’s Scripture class.
Image source: www.wordclouds.com
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