Gospel Reflections for November 18 2018
What does this mean?
The Gospel reports some dramatic scenes.
We have seen dramatic news these last few weeks here as well, from the Thousand Oaks shootings and fires, to Middle East news, to election controversies. How can we make sense of all this?
When 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 what happened, but what they mean for our life. However, when news first breaks, there is often only confusion. In the midst of things it is hard to know what is going on. But slowly, as more accurate information comes in, the real story emerges, and the meaning of the event becomes clear. Just as a painting seen up close seems only a jumble of colors …but then appears clearer when we step back …and see the larger picture.
We give meaning to any event whenever we step back and see its larger context. The fig tree in today’s Gospel fits into a larger picture of changing seasons.
I remember asking a parishioner who worked at an aircraft plant about his job. He did not say “I make 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 fulfilment whenever we find a deeper meaning of our work.
I enjoy aerial photographs, and I have several of Southern California taken from hundreds of miles up in space. While I am always concerned with events here at home, such as fires and shootings, they have a different context when viewed from space! These pictures help me put all my concerns in a more meaningful perspective. I can see which are important and which are not. Homes lost in fires can be replaced, lost lives cannot.
Today’s Gospel invites us to see all events, and especially our own life, from the highest view of eternal life …the largest perspective of all.
Therefore, I look at all events as to how they will help us get to heaven. I will seek those events that help and avoid those that don’t.
I hope that puts things in perspective, and in the midst of dramatic news from around your home, nation and world, nevertheless, gives you a sense of enduring peace and hope for the future.
God Bless!
Fr. Dave
Thank you, Fr Dave, for sharing the airplane analogy & for looking at events that help us get to heaven rather than hinder us. Both really help put life’s events into perspective.
I have one question about the last verse:
“But about that day or hour no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”
Why wouldn’t Jesus know when that day or hour would come?
This is a great question but not easy to answer, however, it helps us understand how Jesus is both God and human. As a human person, Jesus would have imperfect knowledge of the world. For example, He would not know calculus or physics since these areas of knowledge had not been invented yet. As a divine person, He would have perfect faith, hope, and love. However, not knowing the future or when our life or the world will come to an end is a central feature of humanity. We live in time and space and cannot change that. As a human person He knew what any human person would have known then, but as a divine person He would have perfect faith in God’s plan, perfect hope for our salvation, and perfect love for us as well. Hope that helps even just a little.
Dear Father Dave,
Sometimes when those “curve balls” hit, people frequently become angry, hurt, and anxious. Their suffering is deep and meaningful. It’s the human condition. An aerial view can be helpful, but it comes later. The immediacy of trying and bitter times needs to run its course before the larger message emerges.
Dec. 3rd is the first-year remembrance of our grandson’s untimely passing. My husband and I were held together deeply by faith, quite miraculously. It was as though faith had opened it’s arms to us.
Perhaps “faith” is the aerial view you speak of. Sorrow brings us to our knees. Faith brings us to our ultimate goal, heaven.
Thank you so much for your interesting synopsis. God bless you.
Kathleen
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Yes, I agree, faith provides that “aerial view” that puts things in the right perspective.
Beautifully expressed Father Dave!!! With Jesus and our Faith as the pulse beat of our heart, we can survive our hurting sorrow!! and be instruments of love when devastation occurs!!We need to reach out to people who have experienced the fires and the tragedy at Borderline and touch their lives with our Jesus’ hope and love!!Thank you for being a beautiful priest and bringing Jesus’ love to all!!
Loveeeeee, franca and Dick
Thank you!
Your story bout the airplane reminds me, as the Gospel, to keep our minds on the finished product. That is our goal to make it to the end and keep our eyes on the Lord. We each have a purpose that God has for us and in keeping our focus on the Lord we can discover that purpose and follow His will.
Yes, well said!
Your comments on putting everything into perspective says it all, Fr. Dave.
It is hard for us to understand why we were dealt a double tragedy all at once.
We don’t know the answer. All we know is that the good Lord was with us through it all.
We’ve heard comments like,..”all is gone, but we’re alive or “God know all things and He will
help us” It was wonderful to see humanity and divinity come together to help.
Maybe [t was a wake-up call for us to focus on where we are going. With all the preoccupation
with the things of the world and the on going confusion in the church,it is time to renew
our relationship with the Lord, and our hope of everlasting happiness.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I think they are beautifully said.
Father Dave,
This gospel really speaks to me in my time of grief right now, as I lament the passing of my dear family friend, Jim at the age of 40 and the wake of the devastation of the recent fires and Borderline massacre. I am reminded we are all here but a season, as the fig tree reveals. We must spend our time not only productively, but charitably. I reflect on Jim’s life. He lived simply, yet charitably, a denizen in this earthly life, as he dwelled in the spiritual world. He was quite content with his pet-sitting business and had the purity of heart of the animals he so loved. In this time of reflection, I ponder I awe that Jim knew more about life in his 40 years than most in their 80 years. I am still coming to acceptance with his death and the inevitable change it will bring, but it is slowly coming into focus.
Thank you for sharing your story and reflections about Jim. I am sure you find his life and the significance of his passing a source of helpful reflection for a long time.