Daily Catholic Reflection: Friday, December 1, 2023, Friday of the Thirty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time, Year A

Dn 7:2-14

Dn 3:75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81

Lk 21:29-33                                       Full Readings

Saint Charles de Foucauld

Jesus' Word Will Not Pass Away

Brethren, Christianity, like some other religions, strongly believe in life after death. This belief is very consoling and encouraging. It spurs us on to live good and righteous lives. Everything does not end here at our death. After our earthly life, we shall receive the reward due to us at the judgement time. God is pure/holy. Hence, if we want to live eternally with God in the “new Jerusalem”. We should believe in the good news and put into practice the commandments of God and the teachings of Christ. Those who do not believe in life after death/resurrection may live carefree lives. Their adage is “Let us eat today for tomorrow we die”. Such people should remember the three last things – death, judgement, heaven or hell. After death comes judgement, then either heaven or hell.

Do we recognize the signs of God's presence and action in our life and the world today? Jesus used the image of a fig tree to teach his disciples an important lesson about reading the "signs of the times." The fig tree was a common and important source of food for the Jews. It bore fruit twice a year, in the autumn and in the early spring. The Talmud (teachings and commentaries of the ancient rabbis on the Jewish Scriptures) said that the first fruit came the day after Passover. The Jews believed that when the Messiah came, he would usher in the kingdom of God at Passover time.

The early signs of a changing season, such as springtime, summer, or autumn, are evident for all who can see and observe the changes. Just so are the signs of God's kingdom and his return in glory on the day of judgment. The "budding" of God's kingdom begins first in the hearts of those who are receptive to God's word. Those who trust in God's word will bear the fruits of his kingdom. And what are the fruits of that kingdom? "The kingdom of God ...is righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit" (Romans 14:17). The Lord gives the first fruits of his kingdom to those who open their hearts to him with expectant faith and trust in his word.

We do not know the day nor the hour when the Lord Jesus will return again in glory. But the Lord does give us signs, not only to "wake us up" as a warning, but also to "rouse our spirits" to be ready and eager to receive his kingdom when he comes in all his power and glory. The "Day of the Lord" will strike terror in those who have ignored or rejected God, but it will be a day of joy and rejoicing for those who long to see the Lord face-to-face. The Lord Jesus wants us to be filled with joyful anticipation for his coming again.

While we wait for the Lord's physical return in glory, we can know his presence with us through the work and action of the Holy Spirit who dwells in our hearts. The Lord Jesus comes daily and frequently to those who long for him and he speaks tenderly to our hearts like a lover who whispers in the ear of the beloved. He comes to show us the way to our heavenly Father and to give us the hope of eternal life. Do you recognize his presence, and do you listen to his word?

Let us Pray.

Lord Jesus Christ, you are the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end of all history, and the lord of all creation. Give me joyful hope and assurance that I will see you face to face and be united with you forever when you return in glory. Amen

Be blessed.