The Prophet Daniel in this week’s and next week’s First Reading writes about the “Son of Man” coming at the end of time. As we near the end of this long period of Ordinary Time, the readings also reflect “end times.” As we think of the end of our time on earth─after all we just recently celebrated All Saints and All Souls─so we know that for us there are two end times: one at the end of our physical lives; and one at the end of time: the Parousia. In Catholic theology we understand this as a time of redemption, a gathering of the elect into God’s arms.

​We hear some scary phrases today about vigilance, about tribulation, the moon will not give light, the sun will be darkened, the stars falling from the sky and everlasting horror and distress. Daniel reminds us all, however, that “the wise shall shine brightly like the splendor in the firmament, and those who lead the many to justice shall be like the stars forever.” It would be wise to reflect on what wisdom is according to Scripture—and to conduct ourselves accordingly.

It is important that we live “resurrected lives” that reflect the hope and joy of which Daniel writes—sometimes easier said, than done. Our worship should also reflect the anticipation of this hope and joy; and that we witness our commitment to this belief by what we say and do, both in church and out. Every time we celebrate the Mass, we remember the Christ who came, who died and rose, and who will return to gather all of us for a new existence in the new and eternal Jerusalem. We have a foretaste of the heavenly banquet right here and now; and we are joined to heaven in the Eucharistic prayer.

Today we sing Psalm 16: “You are my inheritance, O Lord.” We must sing it, believe it, and live it. If we live a resurrected life, we will have no worry about either of the end times. “The King Shall Come When the Morning Dawns, and light triumphant breaks, When beauty gilds the eastern hills and life to joy awakes!” O God, we look forward to the “fullness of joys in Your presence.”

Keep singing!

Elizabeth Dyc

Today in the First Reading and in the Gospel, we hear two stories about widows—the most poor and vulnerable in the society of Jesus’ time—persons without resources, influence and power. The Hebrew word for widow is almanah, which means: “unable to speak” or “to be in pain.” Widows were silent and helpless and lacked legal status exposing them to oppression and harsh treatment.  Jesus makes the contrast between those who have (the scribes with seats of honor and places at banquets) and those who have not (the widow).  In contrasting the gifts given by the rich and by that of the poor widow, Jesus teaches His Disciples (and all of us) a powerful lesson about generosity of heart, and the nature of true “religion.” This is a very timely lesson nowadays; ask yourself: Who are the scribes and who are the widows of our society

​There was a story about a man who had heart bypass surgery. For recovery they have you do an exercise program, and it was emphasized that he must do this program “religiously.” He goes to the doctor who asks him if he has been exercising. He replies, “Yes. Religiously.” “How is it going?" the Doctor asks. He said, “Well, at first, it was kind of tiring doing all those exercises once a week ...” “Once a week!” the Doctor exclaimed. “Yeah,” he replied, “you know, you said to exercise ‘religiously.’ So just like church, I do them every seven days.”

Christ is the pattern the example and paradigm of true and complete generosity and sacrifice, in that He gave Himself as atonement for our sins. (We sing: “We Remember how He loved us to His death…”) Today Jesus speaks of the widow who contributes from her poverty and not her surplus wealth. She must have understood that all she had came from God, and how could she not share!

There is a hymn I love: ‘You Are All We Have.’ The refrain words are: ‘You are all we have. You give us what we need. Our lives are in your hands, O Lord, our lives are in your hands….Verse: ‘All good things, Lord, all good things that I have come from you…How wonderful are your gifts to me, how good they are!’ In the light of understanding that all good gifts come from God, how can we dare to turn from generosity and give back our time, talent and treasure? (Do you have a Ministry yet?)

We are all dependent on God, and it is up to us to be His arms, His hands, His feet and His hugs for those around us who need our care, solace, empathy and generosity. Living ‘religiously’ is a 24-7 proposition—not just on Sundays where we can be seen in “seats of honor.” As we near the end of this liturgical year, we are challenged to think about end times—our own and this world’s—so there is no room or time for procrastination or excuses. We better get busy!

Keep singing!

Elizabeth Dyc