Greetings on this the Friday of the Thirty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Daniel 7:2-14; Daniel 3:75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81; Luke 21:29-33
Summary
“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. Stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand. (Lk 21:29b-30a, 8).
Reflection
In a few more weeks it’ll be winter, yet in our gospel portion Jesus speaks of the blossoms of Spring and Summer. The reading from the Prophet Daniel has the same juxtaposition. Scenes that are terrifying, horrible are presented prior to the seating of the Ancient One and One like a son of man coming, on the clouds of heaven.
Yet isn’t our life filled with contradictions and contrast?
- Birthing a baby is difficult but the outcome marvelous.
- Laboring in agriculture is hard work but the harvest is plentiful.
- Sin comes but grace abides all the more.
The Lord offers the fig tree and the figs. That is to say the place of rest and the food for the life and in the full sense of today’s gospel, the eternal rest and eternal banquet. Even as the world seemingly spins out of control the Lord provides. More of my friends have been detained and being deported by ICE. Minor-age children, American citizens, being left without Dad and now Mom.
People who are good and faithful members of the community now facing painful consequences that strain families and wound children. They are in the furnace — and we are called to stand with them, to be signs of God’s nearness. Stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand. (Lk 21:8). The Lord will provide the fig tree and the figs.
Personal Reflection
Perhaps these things happening are also pathways to grace for those not harmed or done the harm? See them. Hear them. Help them. This is how we choose life.
Choose life, then, that you and your descendants may live, by loving the LORD, your God, obeying his voice, and holding fast to him (Deut 30:19b-20a).
Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/112825.cfm
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry