Tuesday Reflection by Sr. Rosemary Finnegan, O.P.
Readings from: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/112222.cfm
We’ve been hearing a lot of scripture these past weeks about the ‘end times’, and when Jesus’ Second Coming will be. Perhaps you’ve seen the Peanuts cartoon in which a very confident Lucy tells poor, anxious Charlie: “Don’t worry about the world coming to an end today. It’s already tomorrow in Australia.”
Interestingly enough, a recent article in “Publishers Weekly” noted that the number of books about the ‘end times’ are on the rise. The pandemic, escalating global tensions and environmental concerns are producing more books by authors who share their wisdom on how to live faithfully in the present and prepare for the future.
In today’s gospel, Jesus prophesied the destruction of the temple at Jerusalem. The Jewish people, of course, were greatly concerned. Their Temple was a magnificent building and one of the wonders of the world. It had been more than 40 years in the making and the Jewish people took great pride in their temple. To hear of its destruction was like referring to the destruction of the Jewish people’s very identity.
The people asked Jesus for a sign that would indicate when this disastrous event would occur. He tells them not to be deceived, not to follow the false prophets, and not be terrified.
What meaning do these readings hold for us?
Endings in life, especially painful ones like the death of a loved one, a divorce, health challenges, etc., remind us of our mortality and the shortness of time. Our readings this week are forcing us to meditate on the temporariness of all things. It’s about life and death together--the Paschal mystery, the very mystery we celebrate each day here at liturgy.
St. Cecelia, for whom we know very little other than that she was a young Christian of high rank and betrothed to a Roman soldier whom she converted, is an example of someone who lived her young life fully, knowing this earthly existence was only temporary. Dying for her faith was a daily possibility and eventually, she was martyred. Because she sang of God’s love with her final breaths, she is the patron saint of musicians.
Like Cecelia, if we’re trying our best to follow Jesus, there is no need for fear death, despite how scary these biblical images of the last days can be. Jesus has already won our salvation so we can live in his love and sing his praises, too. His grace is there for us in abundance to accomplish whatever he asks of us, and his promise to be with us to the end is real.
Advent begins next week. May we take this blessed time to honestly face God, take stock of where we are spiritually, and focus on where we want to be.
