The author to the letter of the Hebrews in the first reading today talks of "the day that is drawing near." He is encouraging the Jewish people to see their confidence and hope in the Blood of Jesus and the action of Jesus, the great high priest, as the foundation for hope to see them through to that day when it comes.
No one, not even Jesus knows when that day will be. In fact, Jesus, himself, thought that it might come during his public ministry or shortly thereafter. Most of his preaching and teaching was geared for that quick arrival. This can be seen, especially, in the intensity of his message.
Only God the Father knows the exact moment. But whenever the moment: it shall no doubt be another example of "the fullness of time" – perhaps, this time, it will be in the fullness of the absolute global disregard for all that God holds sacred that will bring it on – the total secular and religious disregard for the dignity of human personhood in all ages and stages of its growth and development. Perhaps in all of the ages of mankind things were not just bad enough as there is potential for them to be right now.
But HOPE is the message of both readings today! Having confidence in Christ's Blood that has already defeated evil, having trust in Jesus who can mercifully deal with the situation, and being the Light and Leaven
of the World as we are meant to be by our baptism into the Light and Life of Christ – can make an enormous difference in the actual experience of the arrival of the Great Day!
If Jesus thought the arrival of the Day could be any day of his life – we ought to be thinking the same way – and we ought to be living our lives and encouraging others to live theirs in the light of this reality that is surely coming!
Lord Jesus, by the Eucharist Food you give us at this and every Mass, strengthen us to meet all the challenges of telling others about the coming of the Day of Judgment (so that they can be ready for is); and of serving these people lovingly as true brothers and sisters. Let us be Light and Leaven wherever we may be, wherever we may go. Jesus, we trust in you!
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