In these Easter weeks we hear from the Book of Revelations. One of the problems with apocalyptic literature, like in the Book of Revelation, is that some people think it is a crystal ball; a door we can open to see the future. But in reality the function of apocalyptic literature, like we hear today, is that it is not meant to scare us but rather to reassure us!
To reassure us that in the end no matter how scary the world gets, no matter how many monsters roam the lands, no matter how many awful tragedies befall us, God’s love will prevail and ultimately we will all be cared for, nourished and loved in the Reign of God.
Last week’s second reading was about those who had survived the time of great distress, and they were at “the great gathering”. It was a vision of every person from every race, nation, language and tribe all streaming into the Reign of God…everyone!
Today’s second reading for the Book of Revelation, tells us that God dwells with humanity, loves humanity, cares for humanity and is making all things new. We ourselves, are living “a journey”…a journey with God and in God. It is a journey of love and Jesus became one of us to try and show us how to love one another as he loves us. Love is the basis of our very existence…we exist because we have been loved into being by the One who above all else “is” Love.
We find ourselves living in the midst of almost apocalyptic like horrors-- local and international terrorists, a national premeditated governmental meltdown, wars and threats of wars, great storms and natural disasters -- and we can find
ourselves feeling over-whelmed and fearful. And yet scripture tells us that even in the midst of such travails “Divine Love” continues to exists…in us, around us and through us, supporting us, guiding us in the darkest of our days!
Perhaps one of Jesus’ most difficult commandments was to love one another, even our enemies! In the midst of our current national political debate…or should I say “conflict”….where is the care and concern of our political leaders for our government workers, our neighbors, for the poor and the immigrant? Where is their care for the starving people in Gaza, in South Sudan and all the other places where USAID once stemmed food crises and helped slow the spread of famine and starvation? Where is the care that Jesus has commanded us to show them?
As disciples of Jesus Christ we are called to be that presence of love…even in the midst of conflict….or perhaps precisely in the midst of war we are even more called to be that presence of love and to work to end the conflict; to build peace and to love one another as Jesus has loved us…even our enemies.
How do I live out Jesus’ commandment of love in my daily life? How do we work to build peace and social justice in this nation that is so deeply divided? How can we respond to the growing international crises wrought by the callous and outrageous actions of our government? How do I respond with the love and care Christ calls me to in my workplace, in my community and in my family? Such deep and difficult questions/realities. But, we do not face them alone, for we do not walk alone. We walk with Christ by our side, and that is what makes all things possible; all things bearable.
May that Divine indwelling continue to guide us and guard us on our journey each day as we continue to move forward building up the Reign of God.
Easter blessings of the Risen Christ,
Fr. Tim
To reassure us that in the end no matter how scary the world gets, no matter how many monsters roam the lands, no matter how many awful tragedies befall us, God’s love will prevail and ultimately we will all be cared for, nourished and loved in the Reign of God.
Last week’s second reading was about those who had survived the time of great distress, and they were at “the great gathering”. It was a vision of every person from every race, nation, language and tribe all streaming into the Reign of God…everyone!
Today’s second reading for the Book of Revelation, tells us that God dwells with humanity, loves humanity, cares for humanity and is making all things new. We ourselves, are living “a journey”…a journey with God and in God. It is a journey of love and Jesus became one of us to try and show us how to love one another as he loves us. Love is the basis of our very existence…we exist because we have been loved into being by the One who above all else “is” Love.
We find ourselves living in the midst of almost apocalyptic like horrors-- local and international terrorists, a national premeditated governmental meltdown, wars and threats of wars, great storms and natural disasters -- and we can find
ourselves feeling over-whelmed and fearful. And yet scripture tells us that even in the midst of such travails “Divine Love” continues to exists…in us, around us and through us, supporting us, guiding us in the darkest of our days!
Perhaps one of Jesus’ most difficult commandments was to love one another, even our enemies! In the midst of our current national political debate…or should I say “conflict”….where is the care and concern of our political leaders for our government workers, our neighbors, for the poor and the immigrant? Where is their care for the starving people in Gaza, in South Sudan and all the other places where USAID once stemmed food crises and helped slow the spread of famine and starvation? Where is the care that Jesus has commanded us to show them?
As disciples of Jesus Christ we are called to be that presence of love…even in the midst of conflict….or perhaps precisely in the midst of war we are even more called to be that presence of love and to work to end the conflict; to build peace and to love one another as Jesus has loved us…even our enemies.
How do I live out Jesus’ commandment of love in my daily life? How do we work to build peace and social justice in this nation that is so deeply divided? How can we respond to the growing international crises wrought by the callous and outrageous actions of our government? How do I respond with the love and care Christ calls me to in my workplace, in my community and in my family? Such deep and difficult questions/realities. But, we do not face them alone, for we do not walk alone. We walk with Christ by our side, and that is what makes all things possible; all things bearable.
May that Divine indwelling continue to guide us and guard us on our journey each day as we continue to move forward building up the Reign of God.
Easter blessings of the Risen Christ,
Fr. Tim
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