Nov. 17, 2019: 33rd Sunday C - Be faithful amid turmoil
Nov. 17, 2019: 33rd Sunday C - Be faithful amid turmoil
People have been fascinated by the date of the end of the world for a very long time. Do you remember what you were doing on December 21, 2012? That date was supposedly the end of the world as predicted by an ancient calendar. Over the years, a number of folks have approached me to ask about the validity of a particular seer, prediction, or prophecy about the end times. As I investigate, usually I can tell by just reading a few sentences whether I sense fear or dread rising in me. Fear and anxiety are signs that the spirit behind the material is not holy. Remember, Our Lord came to preach the good news--that the Kingdom of God is at hand. As Our Lord foretold of the destruction of the magnificent temple in Jerusalem, persecution of faithful by rulers, wars, natural disasters, famines, and plagues, his message to the people was to not fear such events, but to remain faithful in living his commands, to turn their lives toward what truly lasts--that is, to diligently work and serve God to further the Kingdom of God.
During the time when St. Paul was evangelizing, the Christian community faced many difficult trials, tribulations, and persecutions. Some Christians believed the difficulties were a sign of the imminent end of the world and decided that they did not need to work or to serve. St. Paul had to address such persons, “We hear that some are conducting themselves among you in a way, by not keeping busy but minding the business of others. Such people, we instruct and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to work quietly and to eat their own food.” St. Paul’s instructions to the people of Thessaloniki are meant for us as well. We live in a time when the news is available 24/7 and so we know what’s going on throughout the world — civil unrest, extreme poverty, climate anomalies, wars. In our own state and country we are experiencing political discord, social problems and economic issues that influence our daily lives. It is tempting to be swept up in conspiracy theories and predictions of the end of the world.
We must remember that Our Lord promised the gift of peace to his faithful followers. The storms will rage around us from time to time, yet as we stay united to God in prayer and persevere in trust, these storms will turn out to be for God’s glory and for the strengthening of our souls. Padre Pio once said to an anxious man who was fearing his future, “Do not anticipate the problems of this life with apprehension, but, rather, with a perfect hope that God, to whom you belong, will free you from them accordingly. He has defended you up to now. Simply hold on tightly to the hand of his divine providence, and he will help you in all events, and when you are unable to walk, he will lead you.” We are to persevere in our faith in spite of threats of turmoil and persecution. We are a people of hope because we believe in God who created us out of love, redeemed us through His Son, and sustains us through the sacramental life of the church. Let us ask for the grace to emulate God’s love and grace to endure patiently any trials so that we may have eternal life standing in His glory.
During the time when St. Paul was evangelizing, the Christian community faced many difficult trials, tribulations, and persecutions. Some Christians believed the difficulties were a sign of the imminent end of the world and decided that they did not need to work or to serve. St. Paul had to address such persons, “We hear that some are conducting themselves among you in a way, by not keeping busy but minding the business of others. Such people, we instruct and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to work quietly and to eat their own food.” St. Paul’s instructions to the people of Thessaloniki are meant for us as well. We live in a time when the news is available 24/7 and so we know what’s going on throughout the world — civil unrest, extreme poverty, climate anomalies, wars. In our own state and country we are experiencing political discord, social problems and economic issues that influence our daily lives. It is tempting to be swept up in conspiracy theories and predictions of the end of the world.
We must remember that Our Lord promised the gift of peace to his faithful followers. The storms will rage around us from time to time, yet as we stay united to God in prayer and persevere in trust, these storms will turn out to be for God’s glory and for the strengthening of our souls. Padre Pio once said to an anxious man who was fearing his future, “Do not anticipate the problems of this life with apprehension, but, rather, with a perfect hope that God, to whom you belong, will free you from them accordingly. He has defended you up to now. Simply hold on tightly to the hand of his divine providence, and he will help you in all events, and when you are unable to walk, he will lead you.” We are to persevere in our faith in spite of threats of turmoil and persecution. We are a people of hope because we believe in God who created us out of love, redeemed us through His Son, and sustains us through the sacramental life of the church. Let us ask for the grace to emulate God’s love and grace to endure patiently any trials so that we may have eternal life standing in His glory.
