“HONEY FROM THE ROCK”
Daily Reflections
Saturday, 2nd December 2017.
Thirty Fourth Week in Ordinary Time
Saturday Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Dan 7: 15-27;
Dan 3: 82-87 (R) 59;
Lk 21: 34-36.
TO MEET GOD IS THE ULTIMATE DREAM OF EVERY MAN
Today is the last day of the liturgical year. Tomorrow we enter into the Advent season. The Church thus focuses our attention on the last things and the end of our earthly life. It calls the faithful to be alert and prepared for the eternal journey. The first reading looks at how God's holy ones will survive the violence and the chaos of the end times, while the gospel reading seems to say that the end times are here at every moment.
Prophet Daniel has a vision concerning four beasts. Daniel was greatly disturbed in his spirit by the visions. But towards the end, he realizes and believes that no beast, fiercer and deadlier could triumph forever. Not only would final victory be given to God’s Holy ones but evil would at some point be finally eliminated.
Persecution in whatever form does not mean that we have fallen from God’s grace. Such opposition to the Kingdom of God will continue till the end. St. John of the Cross says there are three enemies which we will encounter while moving towards the summit of perfection: the devil, the world and the flesh. Man’s journey must and should end with the beatific vision of God- seeing god face to face. That must be our ultimate aim. Therefore every one of us must combat certain enemies on this journey.
In the Gospel, Jesus tells us that we should be watchful. Many a time, our energies are spent lavishly on worries. Since we cannot predict the future we waste time in worrying and become unproductive. Instead, Prayer should become our weapon on this earthly journey. It will certainly make our journey peaceful.
Finally the Gospel speaks about our encounter with the Son of God. Why? Because He is our Master, God, Friend, and above all our Love. Those who conquer their enemies can boldly stand before God to behold His presence, and to render him unending praise. What a joyous moment to look forward to!
Prayer: Lord, I do love You and I desire to love You all the more. Help me to remain wide awake in my life of faith. Help me to keep my eyes on You through all things so that I am always prepared for You when You come to me. May I be well prepared in prayer and virtue, when I meet you face to face. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen.