The Lord is Faithiful

32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time: November 06, 2022

Readings: 2 Maccabees 7:1–2, 9–14; Psalm 17:1, 5–6, 8, 15; 2 Thessalonians 2:16–3:5; Luke 20:27–38

A byzantine icon of Jesus
To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/miUCcvYmCNg

The month of November is very special to us as we commemorate the life and death of every baptized Christian. Eternity and temporality of our lives are celebrated very beautifully in this month. We recall that life has an end on this earth with eyes on the future, a future where God alone suffices. Hence, our earthly life is also precious. The merits of fruitful and holy life will find God in eternity. Even though it might look our earthly life tough and messy because of its chaos and confusion, sin and wickedness, yet there are people, our own ancestors who have lived their life to the full. We call them saints and blessed. They have set a standard or benchmark for our lives too. In this context the liturgical readings on this 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, remind us that our earthly life is as precious as the heavenly life. In fact, we cannot cross into heaven unless we live our lives here on earth fully and faithfully. 

1. Life after an earthly journey is certain

The question about life after death is age-old. This existential question has been asked since the beginning of human history. What happens to our mortal bodies once it stops breathing? Only the human person has the capacity to think creatively, speak languages, imagine art, and get connected with people in unknown geographical locations. If such a thinking person dies where does he or she go? Is the life end at the death of the person? These and many more such questions are part of our daily struggle to live our lives with focus. Often a sense of nothingness, and meaninglessness comes into our minds. Such questions were asked to Jesus. Sadducees who did not believe in the resurrection had many questions about life after death, especially the relationship between the husband and wife.

Jesus who himself often said, "I am the resurrection and life" (John 11:25), moreover, had spoken about his own death and the resurrection thereafter gives a clear answer. For Jesus, the God whom we believe and worship is "not God of the dead, but of the living; for all live to him” (Luke 20:38). Therefore, life after death is crucial and certain. If such a thing didn't exist then we would be having too many questions like what is the meaning of all our learning and doing? What is the meaning of praise and worship of our God? Why should we follow the commandments and precepts of our God? and so on and so forth. In Jesus, we find answers to our questions and meaning in our lives.

 2. Lord is faithful in every way

St Paul writes a beautiful prayer to the community of Thessalonica. Through this prayer, Paul addresses to them who God is for him. The God, St Paul worships is the God of love who gives grace and inexhaustible comfort which fills him with hope and strength. Moreover, "the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from evil" (2 Thessalonians 3:3), St Paul writes. In other words, God fights for us, and guards us against all evil and wickedness. We learn from Paul, his inexhaustible faith and reverence towards God. His unflinching courage in the strength of the Lord encourages his beloved community to have resilience and trust in God and move forward diligently. 

Our experience of God varies based on how we have lived or faced some important issues in various phases of our lives. It is not only faith and trust in God that have helped us to face them but also the kind of support and grace we have received from God. Prayer is not about asking for what we want, it’s about hearing what God has in mind. Through God's grace, our hearts are directed to the love of God. This intangible experience of the divine certainly has its effect on us, especially in our relationships and personal well-being. 

3. Resolute faith and hope saves you

The courage, fortitude, and sense of duty of the mother and her seven sons, in the book of Maccabees, is one of the most heart-wrenching stories in the Old Testament as they are tortured, burned, and killed one by one (2 Maccabees 7:1–2, 9–14). They cannot betray God's Law. The encouraging words of the mother and the seven brothers' obedience to the law of God help them to give life for what they stand for. Their enduring spirit is a remarkable one. Their bravery and constancy are admirable. The inner convictions and resolute faith move the heavens to open. Only a person of such determination might be able to stand before the wickedness and evil of this world.  Often it might look overpowering, yet God gives the strength to follow the Lord with all humility and faith. 

What matters most in our life is our direct access to God. If we are well connected with God even all sorts of failures in relationships, family life, community life, workplace or health issues matter very little. When you feel that you are being carried by God, then all sorts of problems of life are taken care of. Even mortal human beings may leave you but not the God who created and nurtured you. This God has bigger plans for you when you move away from your little world of insecurity, uncertainty, and anxiety. May this be our hope as we get deeper into the mystery of our life and its existence.

Questions for Reflection:

1. In the face of evil and wickedness, how do you react?
2. How God has been faithful in your life, in spite of you being unfaithful to Him?
3. What are the wishes you have for others, when you have to leave them?
4. Often we are persecuted for what we stand for. Can these seven brothers and their mother inspire you to be brave and courageous when things do not go in your way?

Prayer:

Gracious God our Lord, when your glory appears, my joy will be full. O Lord, attend to my cry. Even though often my feet falter, yet you protect me and answer me. Lord incline your ear to me, hear my word, hide me in the shadow of your wings. Lord direct my heart to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ. We make this prayer in Jesus' Holy Name, Amen. 

- Olvin Veigas, SJ

November 04, 2022