A CONCLUSION THAT DEPENDS ON US What a glorious conclusion finally to this past series of “scary” readings since Tuesday! It can’t be any clearer from the Lord: “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” Because of recent unfortunate developments due to global warming and environmental degradation, nature seems to be “rebelling” — plantations no longer produce as much harvest as before, crops are no longer that healthy, and even plants and seeds no longer bud and sprout with a certain seasonal predictability. Does that mean that Jesus’ words about trees indicative of summertime no longer hold? As a metaphor for exemplification, His main point still stands. Indeed, nature can be harmed and the environment can deteriorate. Nevertheless, God’s Word lasts forever — and also, we had better heed the hints of the nearness of God’s Kingdom. With the colorful ups and downs of human history, Jesus’ statement is a powerful affirmation. In stark contrast with the circular pattern of human affairs (“history repeats itself”), the Christian perspective of history follows a spiral direction more — going around, yes, but expanding, moving along a definite direction and towards a definite goal. And that, of course, is no other than the final fulfillment of God’s reign. Jesus set this Kingdom in motion during His life here on earth, and it’s now up to us to lend a hand in developing it and bringing it to its completion. We should ask ourselves, what are we doing to help accomplish the final realization of God’s Kingdom? It’s true, God’s Word is ever reliable and dependable (far more than heaven and earth themselves), but we also need to do our part. If we don’t do so, the glorious conclusion will remain a mere pious exhortation. Let it not happen that the cycle of history will fall short of its God-intended goal. Let us not be the first ones to undo God’s powerful promise. Let us not disappoint Him. ~ Fr. Martin Macasaet, SDB, from Sabbath REFLECTION QUESTION: What are you doing to help bring God’s Kingdom to its completion? Lord Jesus, may I always trust in You and Your Word that will never pass away.
Posted on: Fri, 29 Nov 2013 03:51:06 +0000
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