Gospel Reflections for November 15 2015
What does this mean?
The Gospel reports some dramatic scenes and all of them are compelling.
We have also seen dramatic news these last few weeks in the news as well, from violence in the Middle East to continuing election year revelations. How can we make sense of all this?
Whenever something dramatic happens we often ask, “What does it mean?” That is just the right question! God has instilled in us a deep need to know not only why things happen, but what they mean for our life. However, when news breaks, there is often only confusion and conflicting details. In the midst of things it is hard to know what is going on. But slowly, with the passage of time and as more accurate information comes in, a clearer story begins to emerge, and the meaning of the event becomes clearer. Just as a painting seen up close seems only a jumble of colors but then slowly appears more clearly when we step back and see the larger picture.
We give meaning to any event whenever we step back and see it in a larger context, like the fig tree in today’s Gospel fits into a larger picture of changing seasons. That is the very definition of what it means to give something meaning.
I remember years ago I asked a parishioner who worked at an aircraft plant what he did there. He did not say “I make aircraft parts for airplanes.” He wonderfully said, “I reunite families at Thanksgiving.” He knew the larger purpose of the planes he worked on …and was proud of it! God designed us to feel a sense of fulfillment whenever we find a deeper meaning to things, and we are often anxious until we do.
I enjoy aerial photographs, and in my office I have several of Southern California taken from hundreds of miles up in space. While I am always concerned with events right here at home, they have a different context when viewed from such a high distance! These pictures help me to put my concerns in a meaningful perspective.
Students might see school events from the larger context of the next test, or the end of the semester, or their years to graduation and then finally to a career.
Today’s Gospel invites us to see all events, and especially our own life, from the view of eternity, the largest perspective of all.
Therefore, I tend to look at all events as to how they will help us 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 our whole life on earth, and our eternal life with God forever.
I hope that puts things in perspective, and in the midst of dramatic news from around the nation and the world, nevertheless, gives us a sense of enduring hope and peace.
God Bless!
Fr. Dave
In recent hours we have experienced a very compelling and dramatic, and above all shocking, event in Paris! On a personal level, we were intensely relieved to receive a call that a cousin, a CLU senior in Paris for the semester, and who had planned to be at the soccer game, had instead taken the opportunity to travel to Berlin for the weekend.
We will especially remember the intention for the safety of Nicole and her friends, and all who have experienced trauma and losses in Paris this weekend.
As you have said before: when Jesus was preparing to come to earth the angels pleaded with Him to not
come here because “it’s a dangerous place”, as we are witnessing yet today!.
But yet an incredibly beautiful place, and yes – we have the hope of Heaven in our future – just not too soon!
Thank you for these terrific messages.
Bob and Rose Mary
Thanks for our message, and we can all give thanks your cousin is safe.
Brilliant. I will try to keep this in mind always
Yes, I will do as well!
What does it mean ? is the question after the horrific killings in Paris this weekend. Why does God allow this happen to a beautiful city with places like The Notre Dame Cathedral, The River Seine and The Louvre Museum? Maybe, this is affirmation that this life is just temporary. He has greater things planned for us!!
Yes, God expects us all to use our free will for good.
Alas, about God and bad things happening, if you have free will bad things are inevitable when dealing with human beings.
I am glad we have such a human legacy of thousands and thousands of saints as well. I always try to remember the saints, and all those millions who have lived saintly lives but were just not that well known. I think the number of saints far outnumbers the bad people. That is a thought that I enjoy thinking!
Maybe it’s time for us, Jane/Joe citizen to step up and look at the bigger picture. Do we vote, take part in local law-making or become involved within our own community. We can’t take on the world but perhaps with each of us taking small bites of responsibility, we can effect change. I begin with myself.
Yours is a profound message, and I agree whole heartedly. The first step is always the first step that we take ourselves.
Father Dave I am sure when you wrote this homily you had no idea how timely the article would be.
It will be very difficult to understand the attack in Paris. May God help all those involved .
These attacks are slowly uniting people of good will around the globe. I am seeing hopeful signs for the future.
Father Dave,
Good point about perspective. I am reminded of the famous Apollo 13 (?) shot of the earth, which almost didn’t get taken. The crew had a limited number of pictures and was told not to waste film. While they were attending to other issues, one of the astronauts persisted in getting the Captain to look out the window. When he did, the vision of our beautiful planet from an outer space perspective, changed his mind completely…and the picture was taken. The rest is history. That picture is a good example of the power of perspective, as you can’t help but look at it and be in awe of such a marvelous, welcoming creation, yet, know that, as you take a closer look, things are very, very different. Still, I look at that photo, and think “what a wonderful world”.
Yes, that picture is one of the most important and impactful pictures ever taken, and all because it helped place our world in perspective.
It is a beautiful thought Father Dave to look at our precious destiny Heaven in all our happenings!!! God gives us free will and it is up to us to make a difference for good in this world!!!I It is up to us to defeat evil!!! What happened in Paris and what is happening in Syria and other Middle East countries by ISIL must stop and it is up to us and the Nations of the world to stop evil!! God gave us the gift of life and free will and he allows evil demonstrated by the free will of evil people but it is up to us and the good people of the world to end it!! Our destiny is to earn heaven and while we are here to live in love and to stop anyone and everything that hurts our life!!!God knows in the end good will win out for he created good, beautiful, faith filled loving, precious people who know the meaning of love and with their free will choose to LOVE!!!
Love, Franca and Dick
Well said, Franca!
The recent events that have transpired in Paris have made me reflect on 9/11, when our country was in the throes of socio-political malaise, rendered vulnerable. Recently I was asked how God could allow these horrific things to happen. I believe that God does not allow these happenings, but rather He walks with us and guides us through our grief and uncertainty. There is plenty of evidence of God in the world that is seen through the collaborative efforts of humanity pulling together to help the victims. I will never forget how touched I was by Guliani when he took initiative to help re-build New York and restore its spirit.
Imagine a world where everyone had the courage and compassion of Mayor Giuliani on 9-11.
Pope Francis said, The world is our common home, where we each take responsibility for
caring for each other” Yes, the world is a dangerous place where innocent people are being
shot down and Christians are being persecuted everyday for their faith.
What can we do, or what does this mean?
We need to look at the whole picture, the final outcome. our purpose in life.
Why are we here, where are we going, and how do we get there?
Let’s walk with Jesus and find out!
Yes, that is the whole idea, to walk daily with Jesus, in prayerful dialogue, in reading scripture, in receiving the Eucharist. Walking with Jesus is the goal.