Thursday of the Twenty-First Week in
Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 428
Lectionary: 428
Paul, called to be an Apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God,
and Sosthenes our brother,
to the Church of God that is in Corinth,
to you who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be holy,
with all those everywhere who call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours.
Grace to you and peace from God our Father
and the Lord Jesus Christ.
I give thanks to my God always on your account
for the grace of God bestowed on you in Christ Jesus,
that in him you were enriched in every way,
with all discourse and all knowledge,
as the testimony to Christ was confirmed among you,
so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift
as you wait for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ.
He will keep you firm to the end,
irreproachable on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
God is faithful,
and by him you were called to fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
and Sosthenes our brother,
to the Church of God that is in Corinth,
to you who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be holy,
with all those everywhere who call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours.
Grace to you and peace from God our Father
and the Lord Jesus Christ.
I give thanks to my God always on your account
for the grace of God bestowed on you in Christ Jesus,
that in him you were enriched in every way,
with all discourse and all knowledge,
as the testimony to Christ was confirmed among you,
so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift
as you wait for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ.
He will keep you firm to the end,
irreproachable on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
God is faithful,
and by him you were called to fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Responsorial
PsalmPS 145:2-3, 4-5, 6-7
R. (1) I will
praise your name for ever, Lord.
Every day will I bless you,
and I will praise your name forever and ever.
Great is the LORD and highly to be praised;
his greatness is unsearchable.
R. I will praise your name for ever, Lord.
Generation after generation praises your works
and proclaims your might.
They speak of the splendor of your glorious majesty
and tell of your wondrous works.
R. I will praise your name for ever, Lord.
They discourse of the power of your terrible deeds
and declare your greatness.
They publish the fame of your abundant goodness
and joyfully sing of your justice.
R. I will praise your name for ever, Lord.
Every day will I bless you,
and I will praise your name forever and ever.
Great is the LORD and highly to be praised;
his greatness is unsearchable.
R. I will praise your name for ever, Lord.
Generation after generation praises your works
and proclaims your might.
They speak of the splendor of your glorious majesty
and tell of your wondrous works.
R. I will praise your name for ever, Lord.
They discourse of the power of your terrible deeds
and declare your greatness.
They publish the fame of your abundant goodness
and joyfully sing of your justice.
R. I will praise your name for ever, Lord.
AlleluiaMT 24:42A, 44
R. Alleluia,
alleluia.
Stay awake!
For you do not know when the Son of Man will come.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Stay awake!
For you do not know when the Son of Man will come.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GospelMT 24:42-51
Jesus said to his disciples:
“Stay awake!
For you do not know on which day your Lord will come.
Be sure of this:
if the master of the house
had known the hour of night when the thief was coming,
he would have stayed awake
and not let his house be broken into.
So too, you also must be prepared,
for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.
“Who, then, is the faithful and prudent servant,
whom the master has put in charge of his household
to distribute to them their food at the proper time?
Blessed is that servant whom his master on his arrival finds doing so.
Amen, I say to you, he will put him in charge of all his property.
But if that wicked servant says to himself, ‘My master is long delayed,’
and begins to beat his fellow servants,
and eat and drink with drunkards,
the servant’s master will come on an unexpected day
and at an unknown hour and will punish him severely
and assign him a place with the hypocrites,
where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.”
“Stay awake!
For you do not know on which day your Lord will come.
Be sure of this:
if the master of the house
had known the hour of night when the thief was coming,
he would have stayed awake
and not let his house be broken into.
So too, you also must be prepared,
for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.
“Who, then, is the faithful and prudent servant,
whom the master has put in charge of his household
to distribute to them their food at the proper time?
Blessed is that servant whom his master on his arrival finds doing so.
Amen, I say to you, he will put him in charge of all his property.
But if that wicked servant says to himself, ‘My master is long delayed,’
and begins to beat his fellow servants,
and eat and drink with drunkards,
the servant’s master will come on an unexpected day
and at an unknown hour and will punish him severely
and assign him a place with the hypocrites,
where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.”
Meditation: Are you
ready to meet the Lord?
Has your community or
town ever participated in a grand homecoming party for a celebrated hero or
champion who courageously and selflessly risked all to serve their people and
nation - who risked great odds to protect people from harm and who achieved
great victory over an enemy bent on destroying their land and freedom? The Lord
Jesus promises us a great victory celebration when he returns again to put down
his enemies and to establish his everlasting kingdom of peace, joy, and
righteousness. That day when the Lord Jesus returns will be joy and peace for
those who are prepared to meet him - but grief and sorrow for those who did not
accept him as Lord and ruler of all.
Jesus will return to
establish his everlasting kingdom
Jesus' first coming was a rescue mission - he was sent by the eternal Father in heaven to save us from the tyranny of sin, Satan, and death. Jesus' sacrificial death on the cross and his triumphant victory over the grave won pardon for us and reconciliation with our heavenly Father, and the promise of everlasting life and joy in his kingdom. The Lord Jesus told his disciples on a number of occasions that he would return again at the end of this present age - not simply to rescue us again from our enemies - but as a victor King and Lord who will vindicate all who have believed in him - by releasing us from the curse of death and condemnation and restoring for us the plan he had from the beginning of creation - a new heavens and earth for a people perfectly united with God in peace, joy, and harmony forever. This is the background to Jesus story (parable) about the householder and the thief in the night (Matthew 24:42-51). When the Lord Jesus returns, he doesn't want to find us flirting with the enemy or worse joining forces with enemies who are opposed to God and his kingdom.
Jesus' first coming was a rescue mission - he was sent by the eternal Father in heaven to save us from the tyranny of sin, Satan, and death. Jesus' sacrificial death on the cross and his triumphant victory over the grave won pardon for us and reconciliation with our heavenly Father, and the promise of everlasting life and joy in his kingdom. The Lord Jesus told his disciples on a number of occasions that he would return again at the end of this present age - not simply to rescue us again from our enemies - but as a victor King and Lord who will vindicate all who have believed in him - by releasing us from the curse of death and condemnation and restoring for us the plan he had from the beginning of creation - a new heavens and earth for a people perfectly united with God in peace, joy, and harmony forever. This is the background to Jesus story (parable) about the householder and the thief in the night (Matthew 24:42-51). When the Lord Jesus returns, he doesn't want to find us flirting with the enemy or worse joining forces with enemies who are opposed to God and his kingdom.
Don't let Satan rob you
of your heavenly treasure
What does Jesus' parable of the thief in the night teach us about God's kingdom? If you knew that a thief was prowling about and trying to strike your home and threaten your life, wouldn't you seek to protect yourself from harm's way? Jesus' parable of the thief in the night brings home the necessity for watchfulness and being on guard to avert the danger of plunder and destruction, especially under the cover of darkness and secrecy! While no thief would announce his intention in advance, nor the time when he would strike, lack of vigilance would nonetheless invite disaster for those who are unprepared to keep their treasure and their lives secure at all times! The intruder strikes when he is least expected!
What does Jesus' parable of the thief in the night teach us about God's kingdom? If you knew that a thief was prowling about and trying to strike your home and threaten your life, wouldn't you seek to protect yourself from harm's way? Jesus' parable of the thief in the night brings home the necessity for watchfulness and being on guard to avert the danger of plunder and destruction, especially under the cover of darkness and secrecy! While no thief would announce his intention in advance, nor the time when he would strike, lack of vigilance would nonetheless invite disaster for those who are unprepared to keep their treasure and their lives secure at all times! The intruder strikes when he is least expected!
Our adversary the devil
seeks to rob us of the treasure which the Lord freely offers us. What is the
treasure which the Lord Jesus wants us to guard lest we lose it? It is the
treasure of a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus himself - who is our
greatest gift and portion in this life. The Scriptures remind us that there is
no greater treasure on earth or in heaven than the Lord himself (Psalm
16:5,11, Job 22:25-26, and Philippians 3:8):
"Whom
have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing upon earth that I desire besides
you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my
portion for ever" (Psalm 73:25-26).
The Lord Jesus chooses to come and dwell in our hearts through the gift and
working of his Holy Spirit. He knocks at the door of our heart and invites us
to let him enter (Revelation 3:21). Are you ready to meet the Lord - each
and every day?
Be ready to give your account to the Lord Jesus
Jesus ends his teaching on watchfulness and vigilance with another parable about a master and his servants (Matthew 24:.45-49). The storyline is similar. There is an element of surprise - the master suddenly returns home unexpectedly, probably from a long journey. He rewards the dutiful servant for his faithfulness to his master. He has performed his service with diligence and has done all that the master required of him. The master punishes the other servant who behaved wickedly. This servant was not only irresponsible - he was frequently absent from work and spent his master's money by throwing endless parties with his friends. The wicked servant also abused his fellow workers with physical force and violence - probably to make them do the work he was supposed to do for his master. The master not only throws him out of his house, he fires him from his job! He also throws him into the worst possible place - a prison of no return where there is nothing but torment and misery.
Be ready to give your account to the Lord Jesus
Jesus ends his teaching on watchfulness and vigilance with another parable about a master and his servants (Matthew 24:.45-49). The storyline is similar. There is an element of surprise - the master suddenly returns home unexpectedly, probably from a long journey. He rewards the dutiful servant for his faithfulness to his master. He has performed his service with diligence and has done all that the master required of him. The master punishes the other servant who behaved wickedly. This servant was not only irresponsible - he was frequently absent from work and spent his master's money by throwing endless parties with his friends. The wicked servant also abused his fellow workers with physical force and violence - probably to make them do the work he was supposed to do for his master. The master not only throws him out of his house, he fires him from his job! He also throws him into the worst possible place - a prison of no return where there is nothing but torment and misery.
Should we be surprised
to see the master acting with such swift judgment? After all he is only giving
back what they have given to him. The master rewards the faithful servant with
honor, promotion, and friendship, and he punishes the unfaithful servant - who
stole from his master and used his position to abuse others - by removing him
from his position of trust with the master and by throwing him into
prison for robbing the master and mistreating his fellow servants. The Lord has
entrusted each of us with his gifts and grace - the grace to love God with
faithfulness, trust, and obedience - and the grace to love our neighbor as our
self. Do you love faithfulness?
Always be prepared for
your homecoming
The Lord Jesus calls us to be vigilant in watching for his return and to be ready to meet him when he calls us to himself. The Lord gives us his Holy Spirit so that we may have the wisdom, help, and strength we need to turn away from sin to embrace God's way of love, justice, and holiness. The Lord's warning of judgment causes dismay for those who are unprepared, but it brings joyful hope to those who eagerly wait for his return in glory. God's judgment is good news for those who are ready to meet him. Their reward is God himself, the source of all truth, beauty, goodness, love and everlasting life.
The Lord Jesus calls us to be vigilant in watching for his return and to be ready to meet him when he calls us to himself. The Lord gives us his Holy Spirit so that we may have the wisdom, help, and strength we need to turn away from sin to embrace God's way of love, justice, and holiness. The Lord's warning of judgment causes dismay for those who are unprepared, but it brings joyful hope to those who eagerly wait for his return in glory. God's judgment is good news for those who are ready to meet him. Their reward is God himself, the source of all truth, beauty, goodness, love and everlasting life.
“Lord Jesus, you have
captured my heart and it is yours. Take my life and all that I possess that I
may have you alone as my treasure and joy. Make me strong in faith, steadfast
in hope, and generous in love that I may seek to please you in all things and
bring you glory.”
Daily Quote from the early church fathers: You do not know the day, by
John Chrysostom (347-407 AD)
"But his meaning is
like this: If ordinary persons knew when they were going to die, they would
surely be striving earnestly at that hour. In order therefore that they may
strive, not at that hour only, he does not tell them the hour or day. He wants
to keep them on their toes looking for it, that they may be always striving.
This is why he made the end of each person’s life so uncertain. In this passage
he openly implies that he himself is Lord. Nowhere before has he spoken of this
so distinctly. But here he seems to me also to be putting to shame those who
remain careless about his lordship. They take much more care about a thief
taking their money than about their own soul. Those who care about their house
and do not want their possessions stolen take measures against the thief. They
watch; they are prepared for the thief. So it is with you. You do not know when
he will come. But you know assuredly that he will come. If you do not continue
to watch, you will not be ready on that day. You will be unprepared.
Destruction will come in your sleep. If the person had known when the thief was
coming, he would have been prepared. So be like the one who is prepared at all
times, so you will escape free. Having then mentioned the judgment, he directs
his thoughts next to teachers, speaking of honorable and dishonorable actions.
His discourse closes with that which is alarming, for he speaks first of those
who do right, then of those who continue in sin." (excerpt from the THE
GOSPEL OF MATTHEW, HOMILY 77.2-3)
THURSDAY, AUGUST 25,
MATTHEW 24:42-51
Weekday
(1 Corinthians 1:1-9; Psalm 145)
Weekday
(1 Corinthians 1:1-9; Psalm 145)
KEY VERSE: "Therefore, stay awake! For you do not know on which day your Lord will come" (v 42).
TO KNOW: Jesus' parable of the unfaithful servant was an indictment of Israel's religious leaders, but it also served as a warning to his disciples. As future leaders of the Church, these servants would be responsible for the Christian community during Christ's physical absence. They were instructed to be vigilant and prepared for his sudden return. The prudent servant should faithfully perform the task of caring for the Church, the members of God's household. By contrast, the wicked servant took advantage of his master's absence and acted shamefully toward his fellow servants. The slothful, sinful servants would be punished severely for their infidelity. The reliable, trustworthy servants would be rewarded for their faithfulness.
TO LOVE: Can others depend on me in performing my ministry?
TO SERVE: Lord Jesus, help me to be your faithful servant in all I do.
Optional Memorial of
Saint Louis of France
At age 12, Louis IX was crowned as the King of France. Louis bound himself by oath to behave as God’s anointed, as the father of his people and feudal lord of the King of Peace. His mother ruled as regent until he reached age 22. Married at age 19, he was the father of 11 children. Louis was devoted to his people, founding hospitals, visiting the sick and, like his patron St. Francis, caring even for people with leprosy (He is one of the patrons of the Secular Franciscan Order). Louis united France—lords and peasants, priests and knights—by the force of his personality and holiness. For many years the nation was at peace. Louis “took the cross” for a Crusade when he was 30, but perhaps he deserves greater credit for his extending justice in civil administration. Louis died on foreign soil at the age of 44. He was canonized 27 years later.
Optional Memorial of
Saint Joseph Calasanz, priest
Joseph Calasanz, a member of the Confraternity for Christian Doctrine, opened a small, free school for poor children, many of them orphans and/or homeless. In 1621 the community was recognized as a religious order called Le Sciole Pie (Religious Schools), also known as the Piarists. Some of the ruling class objected that educating the poor would cause social unrest. Other Orders that worked with the poor were afraid they would be absorbed by the Piarists. In his old age, Joseph saw his Order torn apart. When eighty years old, he was led as a criminal through the streets of Rome by the Inquisition. A papal commission charged with examining the Order acquitted Joseph of all accusations, and in 1645, returned him as superior of the Order. When the struggle within the institute persisted, the Piarists were suppressed. Only after Joseph’s death were they formally recognized as a religious community. The Piarists were restored as a religious order in 1669, and continue their good work today.
Thursday 25 August 2016
Thu
25th. St Louis IX; St Joseph Calasanz.
1 Corinthians 1:1-9. I will praise your name for ever,
Lord—Ps 144(145):2-7. Matthew 24:42-51.
Stay
awake, for you do not know on which day your Lord will come!
Indeed,
we do not know. His coming could be next week or tomorrow, or it could even
come before midnight strikes. Stay awake, by all means, and prepare ... but not
just today, or tomorrow! It is easy to picture the coming of our Lord like that
apocalyptic day when judgement will come upon man and the everlasting reign of
Christ will be installed. While it may well be all of this, the coming of our
Lord is so much more! The daily rising of the sun, a word of pardon, a word of
love or a hand outstretched in service all mark his coming, here and now. May
the great coming of the Lord not numb us to the daily, life-giving signs of the
Kingdom of God living amongst us every moment of every day.
MINUTE
MEDITATIONS
|
All Things Beautiful
|
God passes through the thicket of the world, and wherever His
glance falls He turns all things to beauty.
–St. John of the Cross
–St. John of the Cross
August
25
St. Louis of France
(1226-1270)
St. Louis of France
(1226-1270)
At
his coronation as king of France, Louis IX bound himself by oath to behave as
God’s anointed, as the father of his people and feudal lord of the King of
Peace. Other kings had done the same, of course. Louis was different in that he
actually interpreted his kingly duties in the light of faith. After the
violence of two previous reigns, he brought peace and justice.
He
was crowned king at 12, at his father’s death. His mother, Blanche of Castile,
ruled during his minority. When he was 19 and his bride 12, he was married to
Marguerite of Provence. It was a loving marriage, though not without challenge.
They had 11 children.
Louis
“took the cross” for a Crusade when he was 30. His army seized Damietta
ini Egypt but not long after, weakened by dysentery and without support, they
were surrounded and captured. Louis obtained the release of the army by giving
up the city of Damietta in addition to paying a ransom. He stayed in Syria four
years.
He
deserves credit for extending justice in civil administration.
His regulations for royal officials became the first of a series of
reform laws. He replaced trial by battle with a form of examination of
witnesses and encouraged the use of written records in court.
Louis
was always respectful of the papacy, but defended royal interests against the
popes and refused to acknowledge Innocent IV’s sentence against Emperor
Frederick II.
Louis
was devoted to his people, founding hospitals, visiting the sick and, like his
patron St. Francis (October 4), caring even for people with leprosy. (He is one
of the patrons of the Secular Franciscan Order.) Louis united France—lords and
townsfolk, peasants and priests and knights—by the force of his personality and
holiness. For many years the nation was at peace.
Every
day Louis had 13 special guests from among the poor to eat with him, and a
large number of poor were served meals near his palace. During Advent and Lent,
all who presented themselves were given a meal, and Louis often served them in
person. He kept lists of needy people, whom he regularly relieved, in every
province of his dominion.
Disturbed
by new Muslim advances in Syria, he led another crusade in 1267, at the age of
41. His crusade was diverted to Tunis for his brother’s sake. The army was
decimated by disease within a month, and Louis himself died on foreign soil at
the age of 44. He was canonized 27 years later.
Story:
Every
day Louis had thirteen special guests from among the poor to eat with him, and
a large number of poor were served meals near his palace. During Advent and
Lent, all who presented themselves were given a meal, and Louis often served
them in person. He kept lists of needy people, whom he regularly relieved, in
every province of his dominion.
Comment:
Louis was strong-willed, strong-minded. His word was trusted utterly, and his courage in action was remarkable. What is most remarkable was his sense of respect for anyone with whom he dealt, especially the “humble folk of the Lord.” To care for his people he built cathedrals, churches, libraries, hospitals and orphanages. He dealt with princes honestly and equitably. He hoped to be treated the same way by the King of Kings, to whom he gave his life, his family and his country.
Louis was strong-willed, strong-minded. His word was trusted utterly, and his courage in action was remarkable. What is most remarkable was his sense of respect for anyone with whom he dealt, especially the “humble folk of the Lord.” To care for his people he built cathedrals, churches, libraries, hospitals and orphanages. He dealt with princes honestly and equitably. He hoped to be treated the same way by the King of Kings, to whom he gave his life, his family and his country.
Patron
Saint of:
Barbers
Grooms
Barbers
Grooms
LECTIO DIVINA: MATTHEW 24,42-51
Lectio Divina:
Thursday, August 25, 2016
Ordinary Time
1) Opening prayer
Father,
help us to seek the values
that will bring us enduring joy in this changing world.
In our desire for what you promise
make us one in mind and heart.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
help us to seek the values
that will bring us enduring joy in this changing world.
In our desire for what you promise
make us one in mind and heart.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
2) Gospel Reading - Matthew 24,42-51
Jesus said to his disciples: 'So stay
awake, because you do not know the day when your master is coming. You may be
quite sure of this, that if the householder had known at what time of the night
the burglar would come, he would have stayed awake and would not have allowed
anyone to break through the wall of his house. Therefore, you too must stand
ready because the Son of man is coming at an hour you do not expect.
'Who, then, is the wise and trustworthy servant whom the master placed over his household to give them their food at the proper time? Blessed that servant if his master's arrival finds him doing exactly that. In truth I tell you, he will put him in charge of everything he owns. But if the servant is dishonest and says to himself, "My master is taking his time," and sets about beating his fellow-servants and eating and drinking with drunkards, his master will come on a day he does not expect and at an hour he does not know. The master will cut him off and send him to the same fate as the hypocrites, where there will be weeping and grinding of teeth.'
'Who, then, is the wise and trustworthy servant whom the master placed over his household to give them their food at the proper time? Blessed that servant if his master's arrival finds him doing exactly that. In truth I tell you, he will put him in charge of everything he owns. But if the servant is dishonest and says to himself, "My master is taking his time," and sets about beating his fellow-servants and eating and drinking with drunkards, his master will come on a day he does not expect and at an hour he does not know. The master will cut him off and send him to the same fate as the hypocrites, where there will be weeping and grinding of teeth.'
3) Reflection
• The Gospel today speaks about the
coming of the Lord at the end of time and exhorts us to be watchful, to watch.
At the time of the first Christians, many persons thought that the end of this
world was close at hand and that Jesus would have returned afterwards. Today
many persons think that the end of the world is close at hand. And therefore,
it is well to reflect on the meaning of vigilance, of watching.
• Matthew 24, 42: Watch. “So stay awake! Watch, because you do not know the day when your master is coming”. Concerning the day and the hour of the end of the world, Jesus had said: “But as for that day or hour, nobody knows it, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, no one but the Father!" (Mk 13, 32). Today, many people live concerned thinking about the end of the world. Have you seen when walking through the streets of the city that it is written on the walls: “Jesus will return!” And how will this coming be? After the year 1000, basing themselves on the Gospel of John, people began to say (Rev 20, 7): “1000 years have gone by, but 2000 will not pas by!” This is why, as the year 2000 approached, many were worried. There were even some people who were anguished because of the proximity of the end of the world, so much so that they committed suicide. Others, reading the Apocalypse of John, even were able to foretell the exact hour of the end. But the year 2000 came and nothing happened. The end of the world does not arrive! Many times, the affirmation “Jesus will return” is used to frighten people and oblige them to belong to a given church! Others, because they have waited so long and have speculated so much concerning the coming of Jesus, are not aware of his presence among us, in the most common things of life, in the facts of every day.
• The same problems existed in the Christian communities of the first centuries. Many persons of the communities said that the end of this world was close at hand and that Jesus would have returned. Some of the community of Thessalonica in Greece, basing themselves on the preaching of Paul said: “Jesus will return!” (1 Th 4, 13-18; 2 Th 2, 2). And this is why, there were even persons who no longer worked because they thought that the coming of the end was so close at hand, within a few days or a few weeks so, “Why work, if Jesus will return afterwards?” (cf. 2 Th 3, 11). Paul responds that it was not so simple as they imagined. And to those who had stopped working he would say: “Anyone who does not want to work, has no right to eat!” Others remained looking up at the sky, waiting for the return of Jesus in the clouds (cf. Ac 1, 11). Others rebelled because he delayed coming back (2 P 3, 4-9). In general the Christians lived with the expectation of the imminent coming of Jesus. Jesus was coming to realize or carry out the Final Judgement to end with the unjust history of this world and to inaugurate the new phase of history, the definitive phase of the New Heaven and the New Earth. They believed that this would have taken place within one or two generations. Many persons would still be alive when Jesus would have appeared again, glorious in Heaven (1Th 4, 16-17; Mc 9, 1). Others, tired of waiting would say: “He will never come back!” (2 P 3,).
• Up until now the coming of Jesus has not arrived! How can this delay be understood? It is because they are not aware that Jesus has already returned and lives in our midst: “I am with you always, till the end of time.” (Mt 28, 20). He is already at our side, in the struggle for justice, for peace, for life. The fullness has not as yet been attained, but a guarantee of the Kingdom is already in our midst. This is why, we expect with a firm hope the full liberation of humanity and of nature (Rm 8, 22-25). And while we wait and struggle, we say with certainty: “He is already in our midst” (Mt 25, 40).
• Matthew 24, 43-51: The example of the householder and of his servants. “Consider this: if the householder had known at what time of the night the burglar would come, he would have stayed awake and would not have allowed anyone to break through the wall of his house.” Jesus says this very clearly. Nobody knows anything regarding the hour: "Concerning this day and this hour, nobody knows anything, neither the angels, or the Son, but only the Father
What is important is not to know the hour of the end of this world, but rather to be capable to perceive the coming of Jesus who is already present in our midst in the person of the poor (cf. Mt 25, 40) and in so many other ways and events of our daily life. What is important is to open the eyes and to keep in mind the commitment of the good servant of whom Jesus speaks about in the parable.
• Matthew 24, 42: Watch. “So stay awake! Watch, because you do not know the day when your master is coming”. Concerning the day and the hour of the end of the world, Jesus had said: “But as for that day or hour, nobody knows it, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, no one but the Father!" (Mk 13, 32). Today, many people live concerned thinking about the end of the world. Have you seen when walking through the streets of the city that it is written on the walls: “Jesus will return!” And how will this coming be? After the year 1000, basing themselves on the Gospel of John, people began to say (Rev 20, 7): “1000 years have gone by, but 2000 will not pas by!” This is why, as the year 2000 approached, many were worried. There were even some people who were anguished because of the proximity of the end of the world, so much so that they committed suicide. Others, reading the Apocalypse of John, even were able to foretell the exact hour of the end. But the year 2000 came and nothing happened. The end of the world does not arrive! Many times, the affirmation “Jesus will return” is used to frighten people and oblige them to belong to a given church! Others, because they have waited so long and have speculated so much concerning the coming of Jesus, are not aware of his presence among us, in the most common things of life, in the facts of every day.
• The same problems existed in the Christian communities of the first centuries. Many persons of the communities said that the end of this world was close at hand and that Jesus would have returned. Some of the community of Thessalonica in Greece, basing themselves on the preaching of Paul said: “Jesus will return!” (1 Th 4, 13-18; 2 Th 2, 2). And this is why, there were even persons who no longer worked because they thought that the coming of the end was so close at hand, within a few days or a few weeks so, “Why work, if Jesus will return afterwards?” (cf. 2 Th 3, 11). Paul responds that it was not so simple as they imagined. And to those who had stopped working he would say: “Anyone who does not want to work, has no right to eat!” Others remained looking up at the sky, waiting for the return of Jesus in the clouds (cf. Ac 1, 11). Others rebelled because he delayed coming back (2 P 3, 4-9). In general the Christians lived with the expectation of the imminent coming of Jesus. Jesus was coming to realize or carry out the Final Judgement to end with the unjust history of this world and to inaugurate the new phase of history, the definitive phase of the New Heaven and the New Earth. They believed that this would have taken place within one or two generations. Many persons would still be alive when Jesus would have appeared again, glorious in Heaven (1Th 4, 16-17; Mc 9, 1). Others, tired of waiting would say: “He will never come back!” (2 P 3,).
• Up until now the coming of Jesus has not arrived! How can this delay be understood? It is because they are not aware that Jesus has already returned and lives in our midst: “I am with you always, till the end of time.” (Mt 28, 20). He is already at our side, in the struggle for justice, for peace, for life. The fullness has not as yet been attained, but a guarantee of the Kingdom is already in our midst. This is why, we expect with a firm hope the full liberation of humanity and of nature (Rm 8, 22-25). And while we wait and struggle, we say with certainty: “He is already in our midst” (Mt 25, 40).
• Matthew 24, 43-51: The example of the householder and of his servants. “Consider this: if the householder had known at what time of the night the burglar would come, he would have stayed awake and would not have allowed anyone to break through the wall of his house.” Jesus says this very clearly. Nobody knows anything regarding the hour: "Concerning this day and this hour, nobody knows anything, neither the angels, or the Son, but only the Father
What is important is not to know the hour of the end of this world, but rather to be capable to perceive the coming of Jesus who is already present in our midst in the person of the poor (cf. Mt 25, 40) and in so many other ways and events of our daily life. What is important is to open the eyes and to keep in mind the commitment of the good servant of whom Jesus speaks about in the parable.
4) Personal questions
• On which signs do people base
themselves to say that the end of the world is close at hand? Do you believe
that the end of the world is close at hand?
• What can we respond to those who say that the end of the world is close at hand? Which is the force which impels you to resist and to have hope?
• What can we respond to those who say that the end of the world is close at hand? Which is the force which impels you to resist and to have hope?
5) Concluding Prayer
Day after day I shall bless you, Lord,
I shall praise your name for ever and ever.
Great is Yahweh and worthy of all praise,
his greatness beyond all reckoning. (Ps 145,2-3)
I shall praise your name for ever and ever.
Great is Yahweh and worthy of all praise,
his greatness beyond all reckoning. (Ps 145,2-3)
Không có nhận xét nào:
Đăng nhận xét