Readings:
Dn 12:1-3
Ps 16:5, 8, 9-10, 11
Heb 10:11-14, 18
Mk 13:24-32
On this second last Sunday in Ordinary Time, the readings from the book of Daniel and Mark’s gospel point to the last days and the second coming of Christ. This prediction of a time when “the sun will be darkened” and “the stars will be falling from the skies” (Mk 13:24-25) prompts us to reflect back over this period of the last year in “ordinary time,” to take stock of where we are in terms of our Christian faith and life. It is important and necessary to take such moments to do so.
At the same time, today’s gospel passage is not only about gloom and doom. The reflection for this Sunday in Give Us This Day highlights the fig tree in Jesus’ parable where the small brown buds give way to pale green shoots. “The old protecting leaves fall on the ground…., fading away, while bringing new life to the shoot. Life and growth.”[1] In the face of things crumbling apart around us, we recall the paschal mystery with the transformation from death to life, from pain and loss to healing and well-being. The author of the responsorial psalm assures us that with the Lord “at my right hand I shall not be disturbed,” and the Lord “will show me the path to life, fullness of joys…” (Ps 16:8, 11).
Recently I have had in-depth conversations with two longtime friends, whose worlds were shattered. The first described the horrible situation after hurricane Helene devastated Ashville, NC, last month. The apartments were without water, electricity, and road exits for a couple weeks; they had to post their own guards outside the condo complex to ward off looters. In the midst of this catastrophe, they collected and shared their available food, identified medical personnel in the building, and collected some potable water from a distance. During these intense weeks, my friend talked about living in a state of chaos, but also the resiliency of the residents and the growing sense of communal welfare. She now talks about naming and attending to post-traumatic stress.
The second friend shared with me a year-long series of disturbing events which unfortunately led to a recent divorce. Her spouse went into a quick and sharp decline due to complex mental issues which made their marriange relationship unhealthy and unsafe. My friend’s world was shattered. She now talks about the various levels of loss, but also how she has grown and matured during the painful process.
Both of my friends have drawn upon their Christian faith while they were going through these shattering experiences and now while they find themselves in the aftermath. Whether we ourselves or others around us are experiencing chaos, to various degrees, let us remember the words from the psalm that with the Lord “at my right hand I shall not be disturbed,” and the Lord “will show me the path to life, fullness of joys…” (Ps 16:8, 11).
Roger Schroeder, SVD
Louis J. Luzbetak, SVD Professor of Mission and Culture