Greetings on this the Friday of the Thirty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: RV 20:1-4, 11—21:2; PS 84:3, 4, 5-6A AND 8A; LK 21:29-33
Summary
Here is my reflection from two years ago, same readings.
http://deacongerrypalermo.blog/2022/11/25/the-kingdom-of-god-is-near/
Reflection
We struggle with timing and sequencing. Literature is written sequentially. It takes great literary craft to allow the presence of multiple thoughts or actions to occur at the same time while holding the reader in suspense on them all. We are left to figure out which actions precedes which or in parallel, related or unrelated, consequential or inconsequential.
If I were a writer I would be thrilled to work on mastering the skill.
Mostly, though, in regards to the End Times it is an effort that while interesting does little or nothing to further the salvation of souls. Thus the time honored focus is simply this, quattuor novissima (the Four Last Things): Death, Judgment, Heaven, and Hell.
First Reading: I saw the dead, the great and the lowly, standing before the throne, and scrolls were opened. Then another scroll was opened, the book of life. The dead were judged according to their deeds, by what was written in the scrolls. Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the pool of fire.
Gospel portion: Jesus told his disciples a parable. “Consider the fig tree and all the other trees. When their buds burst open, you see for yourselves and know that summer is now near; in the same way, when you see these things happening, know that the Kingdom of God is near.
Do you remember the old saying? Why worry about things you can’t control when you can keep yourself busy controlling the things that depend on you?”
The dead were judged according to their deeds.
Personal Reflection
Two days left in this liturgical year. What deed can I do to further the Kingdom? What can I do to be included in the judgment of the course of my life? And, yes, it does matter.
Be of good cheer. The Lord loves us and wants us to be with him forever. Control what you can. Be responsible for your actions. And everything will be OK.
Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/112924.cfm
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry