Focus on the Future Glory

Homily for Saturday of the Thirty-Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

I don’t think that we have to take the warning about drunkenness and carousing too much to heart. I would not expect that to be a pattern of behavior here at St. Francis Woods convent. However, the Gospel text also tells us that we should beware of the anxieties of daily life.

Today is the last day of the liturgical year. Tomorrow is the first Sunday of Advent. For those who are counting, there are only 23 more days until Christmas. This can be a nerve-wracking time, especially for those who are responsible for the festivities to come. Perhaps, Jesus is speaking to us about the anxieties that we might be feeling about our future.

There is fantastic imagery in today’s reading from the prophet Daniel. For the second day we hear about four beasts which Daniel sees in a vision. While he may be temporarily frightened by the beasts, when he enquires about them, he is told that their time is fleeting and that the kingdom of the Most High will come. That kingdom will be everlasting. All the anxieties that trouble our hearts will be vanquished by the peace that comes only from God.

Jesus also counsels his disciples to pray and focus our concentration on the glory that is to come. It is somewhat ironic that Jesus tells his disciples not to become drowsy. We all know that they will, in fact, fall asleep at the most crucial point of Jesus’s life.

As we begin Advent, may our reception of the Eucharist release us from all anxiety and set our hearts to be with Jesus and everlasting life. Let us be faithful and keep watch – hopeful in the knowledge that God’s kingdom draws near.