Gospel for November 14 2021 – Mark 13:24-32
Gospel Reflections for November 14 2021
What does this mean?
The Gospel reports some dramatic and even frightening scenes. All of them are compelling.
We have also seen dramatic news these last few weeks, from surprising election results to life changing economic policies to vaccine mandates and even ever-increasing restrictions coming soon. How can we make sense of all these events?
Whenever something dramatic happens you might ask, “What does it mean?” That is just the right question! God has given you a deep human need to know not only what happened, but what it means for your life. However, when news breaks, there is often only confusion and conflicting details.
During fast-moving and dramatic news events, it is hard to know what is going on. But slowly, with the passage of time and getting more accurate information, a clearer story begins to emerge, and the meaning of the event becomes clearer. That is a key idea.
For example, every painting up very close is just a confusing jumble of colors. It is only when we step back to see the larger picture does it finally make sense.
We give meaning to any event whenever we step back and see its larger context. That is what it actually means to give something “meaning.” God designed us to feel a sense of peace whenever we find a deeper meaning to things, and we often remain anxious until we do.
I enjoy aerial photographs and so in my office I have several taken from hundreds of miles up in space. Events in my life have a different meaning when viewed from such a high distance! These pictures help to put things in a much larger perspective.
Today’s gospel invites you to see events in the news, and especially in your own life, from the view of eternity, the largest perspective of all!
Therefore, I now tend to look at all events as to how they will help us all get to heaven. I will support those events that help and oppose those that don’t. Today, this very Sunday, is part of a larger plan of God for your whole life on earth, and your eternal life with God forever. This is the time to see all things from the viewpoint of your salvation.
I hope that puts things in perspective and the right context, and amid dramatic news from around the nation and the world, nevertheless, gives you a sense of enduring hope and peace.
God Bless!
Fr. Dave
Father has reminded us to see all events “from the view of eternity”.
And he’s right, because when we do, we’ll have enduring hope and peace!
Can hardly imagine what the world would be like if people did as he has suggested!
Well, our goal is to get the whole world on board!
Loveeeeeeeeee your precious words” Seeing all events and how they will help us to get to Heaven!!!” Every day if we touch someone with our precious Jesus’ love, we can change the world and make it spiritually beautiful!!! Loveeeeeee it and loveeeee you our Father Dave for you are leading us to Heaven!!!
Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee, Franca and Dick
Thank you!
Your arial photos reminded me of my first flight in a Police Helicopter in my Santa Suit over the City of Pasadena.and the beauty of the scene below. Trees ,Homes ,Businesses and shops seen from above. The Gospel this Sunday is frightening and makes one think of Eternal Paths to Aim for. Using the Faith and Courage to face such an event.
We possess the ability to deal with any and all events using the Faith we nurture in Our Catholic Faith.
I remember your Santa Suit! I am gad you enjoyed your “higher view” in the helicopter. I agree that our faith enables us to face any event with courage and peace.
Dear Father Dave,
As always, thank you for your enlightening synopsis.
Still in Hawaii!
God bless!
Kathleen
Thanks you …and Aloha!