+ We have intensely powerful
readings at mass today. St.
Peter opens the scenario with an often quoted but less and less often believed
and taken to heart passage about the end of things! We read “the end of all
things is at hand” – but what does that mean: 2000 years later, the end has
not yet come? So what does it mean? The end has not come – or has it? has it
not already come?
For
those who are baptized into Christ Jesus –
who have gone down into the water with him and rose from that water a new
creation, a higher creation, a spirit-filled creation – our end has already
come. Therefore, we must live the life that we are empowered and commanded to
live: serious and sober-minded “so that we will be able to pray.” Praying is the
most powerful tool there is for us to stay the course: and the Devil wants to
distract us from it – in any way that he can – from simple “shiny objects” dangled
in front of us – to new cars – to new tvs – computers and the like – and especially,
personal pain, suffering, doubt and discouragement. And so St. Peter tells us
to counteract this tendency by loving and taking care of others. Let your love for one another be intense
(because when that final day actually does come – and it could truly come at
any time we will be prepared): and our
good works will cover a multitude of sins.
Use your gifts at the service of one another without
complaining, using the unmistakable
gifts that you have been given. And do
not be surprised that a trial by fire is occurring among you – this is not a
strange event: but rejoice to the extent that your share in the sufferings of
Christ, so that when his glory is revealed you may also rejoice exultantly.
The
gospel passage is amazing as well. Jesus curses a fig tree for apparently not
having figs when it was not supposed to have them – and the tree subsequently
dies. What is going on here? Jesus is prophesying that in the future those who
live in him will be able to produce good fruit in any season at all – and that
their own lack of faith in their supernatural ability to do this will be the
only thing preventing it. May our fruit today be full, abundant, and helpful!
Then
comes the very powerful scene with Jesus prophesying how displeased he and his
Father will be to those who take anything sacred, and profane it – like the
distraction of actually buying, selling, profiteering in the very temple of God
itself. He upset the whole apple-cart! And he will upset ours too – if we don’t
stay entirely focused on him – in prayer – constantly – all day long! We can
ask for anything we want – in quiet, confident – persistent and trusting prayer
– and he will give it so long as we don’t tie his hands by lack of focus and
intent!
The Lord has chosen us – who bear his name – from the world to go and bear fruit that will last. Let this be
our goal and objective this one day! Who knows it may be truly be the last!
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