A Few Words On "The Word"

November 19, 2006
The 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B

Mark 13:24-32

Bringing a Taste

It's the end of the world! The sun and moon are gone...the sky is falling! Humanity groans in extreme pain as Christ returns on the clouds.

I don't know about you but this kind of stuff usually makes me uncomfortable. Don't get me wrong, I want Jesus to come back and right the wrongs that we humans have created and failed to fix. I actually like the part in today's Gospel where Jesus talks about returning in power with his angels. I'm just not sure that I want to be alive when the sun, moon and stars fall from the sky.

Scripture dealing with the end of time usually isn't all that fun to read or easy to understand. Many scholars like to analyze these parts of scripture in an attempt to calculate exactly when Jesus will return. It all just seems so...out there. Despite the fact that apocalyptic readings are sometimes hard to appreciate they still tell us something about our mission as followers of Jesus.

We live in a human world filled with pain, suffering, and injustice. We know that the world isn't perfect. We seemingly fail to live up to the potential God instills in us. Most of the world lives in hunger and pain while the minority feasts on more food than they could ever possibly eat. Wars sparked by greed tear apart families and societies.

Today's readings present a challenge because they tell us that only Jesus' return can bring peace and perfection. Given this reality wouldn't it just be easier to give up? Why even try if we know that our best efforts for lasting peace will fail? Why work for justice when only Jesus' return at the end of time can fix all the pain and suffering in our world?

As humans created in God's image we innately desire love in our lives. A longing for peace and justice is written on our hearts and drives nearly everything we do as humans, both the good and the bad. Just because a true and lasting peace isn't totally attainable in this life doesn't mean that we shouldn't work to bring a taste of what Christ's eternal kingdom will be like to the suffering and oppressed. We must strive for justice and peace, despite knowing that evil will still exist, because we know that in the end true justice and true peace will be attained because of Jesus' sacrifice, promises and return. Our mission is to prepare the way, providing a glimpse of God's kingdom to those who need it the most.

Reflection Question

In what ways can you personally stay hopeful in your quest for peace and justice?

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