Daily Reflection for Thursday, August 25, 2022
Peace and Blessings, Friends and Parishioners,
We encourage you to reflect on Thursday’s readings at this link: CLICK HERE
If you prefer to use your own Bible, the readings are:
First Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:1-9
Responsorial: Psalm 145:2-7
Gospel: Matthew 24:42-51
Our Reflection on Thursday’s Reading:
“For at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.” Matthew 24:44
I sometimes wonder how I would react if Jesus were to come back right now. We’re supposed to be overjoyed at the return of our beloved Savior. But everyone in the Bible always seems to freak out a bit and are scared when an angel of the Lord or Jesus himself appears to anyone. The first words spoken are either “do not be afraid” or “peace be with you.” I imagine that I would likewise be scared as well knowing how I react to the unexpected.
How strange that our first reaction upon getting a visit from the divine is to be scared. This is our Lord, who knows us intimately, who we pray to, who has been there through our joys and sorrows, who suffered and died in order to save us. Why would we be scared? I might be shocked or startled if a long absent friend or loved one showed up at our door, but I certainly wouldn’t be afraid. However, when it’s the one who knows us better than anyone else, we react with shock and fear. I think the fear may also stem from the other common depiction of God—the divine judge who metes out punishment for the wicked where there will be “wailing and grinding of teeth.”
In today’s reading, Jesus tells the disciples that they will not know the hour that the Son of Man will return, and to be prepared. He specifically warns them not to procrastinate and ignore the work that needs to be done now or face God’s wrath. I think that maybe some of the reason that people might respond with fear and trepidation is tied to this feeling of being unprepared or, worse yet, being caught doing something that we shouldn’t. If the Lord were to come back and examine my conscience today, there would be plenty of areas where I have fallen short and not followed God’s laws.
Thankfully, God is loving and gracious and forgives us our sins. We, however, must accept that gift that He has offered and make good use of it.
Take a moment today and think about how you’ve been using the gifts that God has given you. Have you been complacent waiting for the master’s return? Have you fallen asleep and allowed the thief to enter your home? If so, maybe it’s time to get your house in order and prepare for the return of our Lord. We never know when His return may come.
Peace and blessings,
Pete Kuester