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
Notes: The Kingdom is already here and being built up. Depending on where you live and what you are experiencing in this day it may be evident or not evident. On closer inspection we can realize that we live in an age where we confront ourselves and one another, and done right, in charity and love. At no time in the history of humanity have we been given this current worldwide right to speak freely and often. And to listen with charity and love.
Different parts of the world, different crises:
(not to stereotype anything but using broad observations)
USA – Political crisis on governance and coexistence.
Europe – Invasion, separatistism.
Africa – Self-determination, equitable distribution of wealth.
Central America – Extremism right and left, emigration and immigration. Equitable distribution of wealth.
South America – Extremism right and left, emigration and immigration. Equitable distribution of wealth.
Internationally:
- Ecology, pollution.
- Global Warming.
- Drought, water scarcity.
- Crop failure, loss of agriculture, egregious mining practices.
- Family life and local economic health.
- Corruption and excessive self-interest.
In the eyes of faith we see the Kingdom:
- The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is celebrated worldwide, every hour of every day.
- Eucharistic Adoration every day.
- Church and Social Justice.
- Dialog of every sort where we encounter our mistakes and attempt a just resolution.
- Charity abounding in every corner of the world.
- Meeting the crisis in common ethos within and among nations.
- Dialog, dialog, dialog.
- Prayer, prayer, prayer.
The work of the Kingdom is intense stuff. Hard work. But we have the ‘coin’ to do it.
In regard to justice, we have the power of God and the aid of the Holy Spirit.
- Be focuses on the good you can do.
- Be brave.
- Trust the promise.
- Jesus’ promise, “Behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age” (Mt 28:20).
The Book of Revelation had its origin in a time of crisis, but it remains valid and meaningful for Christians of all time. In the face of apparently insuperable evil, either from within or from without, all Christians are called to trust in Jesus’ promise, “Behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age” (Mt 28:20).
From https://bible.usccb.org/bible/revelation/0
On Revelations
Like the other numerical values in this book, the thousand years are not to be taken literally; they symbolize the long period of time between the chaining up of Satan (a symbol for Christ’s resurrection-victory over death and the forces of evil) and the end of the world. During this time God’s people share in the glorious reign of God that is present to them by virtue of their baptismal victory over death and sin; cf. Rom 6:1–8; Jn 5:24–25; 16:33; 1 Jn 3:14; Eph 2:1 (NABRE, commentary on RV 20:4).
“Freedom does not mean that right to do whatever we please, but rather to do as we ought. The right to do whatever we please reduces freedom to a physical power and forgets that freedom is a moral power.” ~ Fulton J. Sheen
More Fulton Sheen Quotes: https://www.azquotes.com/author/13447-Fulton_J_Sheen
First reading
They came to life and they reigned with Christ for a thousand years.
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth.
The former heaven and the former earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. I also saw the holy city, a new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
Responsorial Psalm
Here God lives among his people.
My soul yearns and pines for the courts of the LORD. My heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.
Alleluia Verse
Stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand.
Gospel Portion
Know that the Kingdom of God is near.
Amen, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry
Deacon Gerry Palermo 