Well, this will be my final reflection as a ‘guest’ writer. My good friend John C. (Sat.) has invited me to fill this Sunday spot. So, Without further adieu… Malachi 3:19-20, Lo, the day is coming, blazing like an oven, when all the proud and evildoers will be stubble. The day that is coming will set them on fire, leaving them neither root nor branch, says the Lord of hosts… But for you who fear my name, there will arise the sun of justice with its healing rays. ***Day of Redemption, Reconciliation, lessons for getting along, and a little Damnation, whew it’s getting hot in here!! Oh boy, my brothers and sisters, today’s collective word of God represents 2 distinct polar opposites of a spectrum of situations & emotions! In short, they’re bi-polar. First, Malachi 1 and the gospel, (Luke 21:19) threaten Armageddon and damnation, with a taste of mercy in the last verse. Luke vs. 19, “You will be hated by all because of my name, but not one hair on your head will be destroyed!! By your perseverance you will secure your lives (salvation).” EARLIER in Luke 21:5-19, Jesus is foretelling of the destruction of a temple again. This time He ‘is’ referring to the building and its upcoming destruction by the Romans led by Titus in 70ad. I also detect a little ‘final days’ flavor in what he tells them: “Wars, earthquakes, insurrections, famines and plagues but before all of this happens they will seize and persecute you.”
In our second reading Paul is writing to the Thessalonians. As a mentor and teacher Paul is giving them oral (written) instructions to reinforce his physical resume, left in their hands, of successful actions, results and behaviors. All of which is meant as both an example but also as a recruiting tool to gain additional disciples. Before anything else going forward all recruits must believe ‘as Paul believes!’ Paul is never one to mince words. He addresses the Thessalonians firmly! One such instruction is “If anyone is unwilling to work, then neither should that one eat!” Paul is dealing with complaints of busy bodies, gossips, laziness and just plain shirkers of duties. Yet, he feels compelled to speak of the clarity of God’s desires for us and from us. As a dad and former retail manager, I fully understand how saddening & maddening it can be to teach using instruction and personal example and then, the ‘apprentice’ just won’t let themselves succeed. Mercy Lord, please have mercy on us!!
FINALLY, the good news, our Psalm for today and the Alleluia refrain. Alleluia Luke 21:28, “Stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand!” Psalm 98:5-9, “The Lord comes to rule the earth with justice! Sing praise to the Lord with the harp…. Let the sea and what fills it resound. The world and all who dwell in it, let the rivers clap their hands and the mountains shout for joy!” ***As I finish up, I’m mildly exhausted with the breadth of these scriptures. They very nearly mirror life itself… “Riding high in April shot down in May.” Luckily for us and in full thankfulness to Jesus, the Christ, we already know the end of this story. We will rest contentedly in salvation. We will gloriously, joyfully, and wonderfully serve and sing to God Almighty!! SHALOM, and may all of God’s Love and Joy be yours, Mark
I am Mark Gates, your servant. I currently live with my wife in Peosta, Iowa and have retired. I have spent my whole life as a God-fearing Christian, Mass Lector and cradle Catholic. In 1996 after a Charismatic Conference, My Spirituality ‘Exploded’. The Holy Spirit has since, blessed me with personal revelations and events in times of needed admonishment, teaching or encouragement. Having a personal belief and true affection for The Real Presence of Christ in Eucharist, and also a very sweet, tender, and special relationship with our Holy Spirit, I believe that our world is in dire need of Good News. I want my spirituality to create conversations! I pray that you allow these musings to start your own conversations.
