34th Friday in Ordinary Time, November 25, 2022
Rv 20:1-4, 11-21:2; Ps 84:3-6a, 8a; Lk 21:29-33
As we approach the end of the Church year; and the end of the Book of Revelations, John gives us this beautiful image of what heaven may look like. There, Jesus sits on His white throne ruling over heaven and earth. By this time, Satan has been defeated, and now is the time for all of us to be judged. While this may seem harsh, it is a reminder that how we act while on the earth will determine where we will end up after death. But, if we truly repent of our sins, the hope is that God will forgive us and make for us a place in heaven, in the new holy city, a New Jerusalem, that is opened up and presented to the Lord. What a beautiful place to be in, and it is here where God will dwell forever with His people. A perfect imagery for the end of our Church year where Jesus will sit on His throne forever.
It is also kind of funny that we have a teaching from Jesus talking about springtime as we approach winter. But it does make sense. Next week we enter into Advent where we take the time to ponder our lives and seek repentance. We seek our Savior who is about to reveal himself as a child, a meek little baby in the manager who has just bloomed. Like the bud on the fig tree, Jesus has blossomed and will spring forth heralding the kingdom of God.
Let us take some time in the coming weeks to ponder these two images, the one of a King whose dominion will last forever, and the one of a Savior, blooming right in front of our eyes. Imagine that little child growing into Jesus right before our eyes. And then watch Him fulfill His destiny by destroying the chasm of sin and death that separates us from God, then re-uniting us back to Him. Let us praise God for all He gives us so we too, can dwell in His house forever.
Saint James Catholic Church 