Deacon Matt's Reflection

Reflection for 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time: Nov. 13, 2022
 
Malachi 3:19-20a: As the close of the liturgical year looms ever closer, it makes sense that we’re focusing on preparing for an end and for a new beginning. Very soon, our Scripture readings will focus on joyful waiting for the coming of the Messiah as we journey through another Advent season. However, in today’s first reading the prophet, Malachi draws a contrast as to how differently humble, obedient and faithful believers, as compared to arrogant and disobedient sinners will experience the coming of the Lord on  Judgment Day.  The day of Judgment is a day of hope and joy and exultation for the obedient and the righteous, while it’s a day to be dreaded and feared by those who refuse to live the Law. Let’s ask ourselves this week: are we prepared for Jesus’ Second Coming?
 
Psalm 98: “The Lord comes to rule the earth with justice.” Now, we ponder a psalm of joyful welcome as the Lord comes! Along with the psalmist, we proclaim God’s praise and glory with music and take part in joyful singing before the Lord. In the second verse, all nature is personified; including seas and rivers and the mountains. All nature is called to rejoice and glorify God, along with all created people. In the final verse we focus on, we celebrate God’s coming to permanently establish a just and holy Kingdom of God. It will be remarkable for its fairness and generosity toward all; particularly righteous and obedient souls who long for true justice, equality and loving respect for all. This week, let’s ponder taking time to pray for world peace and conversion and for “re-validating” holy virtues, values and beliefs fundamental for our faith. May our God be honored, obeyed and praised!
 
2 Thess. 3:7-12: In this letter, Paul is not being prideful in  encouraging Christian disciples to follow his and his co-workers’ example of hard work and honest toil that is required for obtaining and maintaining expenses for practical living. After all, the early   Christian community still had to have shelter and other necessities of daily living, such as food, water and clothing. Paul is merely meeting an urgent need to re-iterate the importance of all disciples’ working to the best of their abilities to work for the benefit and good of all. Obviously, some disciples may have been less hard-working and may have been taking advantage of others’ more strident work ethic. Paul alludes to the development among disciples of some petty quarrels; with some “nosey” individuals, acting like “busy-bodies,” rather than doing their share of the work. We might reflect this week on whether we’re doing our share to extend God’s Kingdom.
 
Luke 21:5-19: This passage quickly changes focus from vain and worldly, to life-and-death issues. Initially, we witness people focusing on the “glitz” of the Temple; its costly stones and decorations. However, we mustn’t waste “prayer-time” getting too preoccupied with such vanities, as we’ll miss the real point of our faith… our     relationships with God and accepting God’s plan for our Salvation!
 
Jesus delivers a blunt summary of the turmoil that lies ahead of us in the end times and beforehand. There will be great worldly instability from natural disasters and plagues as well as conflicts and betrayals between those living the faith with integrity and hypocrites, who only pretend to practice the faith, for worldly status, power and political influence. On a positive note, Jesus promises to send the Holy Spirit to give us love, wisdom and diplomacy to defend the faith.
 
Be at peace! 

Deacon Matt