As we come to the end of the Liturgical Year, there is a noticeable shift in the focus of our readings from Sacred Scripture. Instead of focusing on parables, miracles, and teachings on discipleship, we begin to focus on the end of the world, and the four last things: death, judgment, heaven, and hell. These topics are not easy ones to talk about. Often, they strike fear into our hearts, and can fill us with anxiety and dread. It doesn’t help matters when we are told that no one knows when these events will take place, either!
One thing that is clear from our readings today is that God has a special care and concern for his people. Our Gospel tells us that the Son of Man will send the angels to gather the elect to him, so that we may dwell forever with God in Heaven. This is the message of our Responsorial Psalm, which reminds us that God is our refuge. It is God who shows us the path of life and gives us the fullness of joy. It is God who has created us to dwell with him forever.
When we look at our readings through this lens, they serve as a reminder to us that this world is not our home, and that we are merely pilgrims on a journey to our heavenly Father. They remind us that so long as we live our lives in accordance with God’s commands, we will be found worthy of a greater inheritance, which no human being has ever been able to imagine or comprehend. When faced with fear, especially in the midst of all of the current struggles in our world, we can turn to God and ask him to strengthen our hope in his promises.
This weekend, the Church also marks the World Day of the Poor. On this day, we are reminded that the Gospel calls us to care for the poor and those who are in need. As we approach the Christmas Season, we are given an opportunity to support families in need, through our Giving Tree campaign. We ask you to prayerfully consider supporting this campaign, so that we can make a difference for local families in need this Christmas season. I also invite you to pray for the continued success of our outreach programs, especially as we seek to expand programming in the new year.
Sincerely in Christ,
Fr. Steven Huber, CSB