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Vocation Meditation -
November 15, 2009
Jesus spoke to his disciples about the end which is to come:
"In those days, after the time of suffering, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its lights, and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken."
"Then they will see 'the Son of Man coming in clouds' with great power and glory. Then he will send out the Angels, and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven."
"From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates."
"Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away."
"But about that day or hour no one knows, neither the Angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father."
For the end-times, Jesus had his disciples reflect on permanent truths lodged in these prophecies. God's people will undergo difficulties, sufferings, terror and persecutions. Creation will be shaken from the heavens to the earth below. Jesus, speaking these, used the language the Jews have heard many times in their oracles and history. Here, Jesus did not give them the time-table to the future nor a map for eternity. The one thing Jesus revealed and did foretell was that He would come again in glory. He will gather His elect on the last day.
God's people will be like those who know their master will come. They must stand ready as faithful and responsible stewards. All of nature gives a hint of what is to come: the signs of growth, the change of seasons, the weather and turn of tides. Day by day our work must be done. Everyone has a great task of making every day fit for the Master to see and being at any moment ready to meet Him face to face.
God's people's hopes will be fulfilled as long as they hold on to the promises of the Word of God. God's Word never fails.
God's people, everyone, must be directed to live the present, not in fear but full of hope. Jesus, our Saviour will come in love and in glory. All must set their hearts on His Word. Each one must make each day, then, a preparation fit to meet the King!
Vocation Challenge:
God is near, at the very gates!
Do I stand ready each day to meet my King in His Word and in the Eucharist?
Dear God,
The future is not for me to predict. It is in your hands. Let my vocation grow in trust and in daily fidelity to your Word. Give me Your wisdom and courage to make it work. Amen.
For the full Gospel reading for this Sunday, visit the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops site.