Saturday of the Thirty Fourth Week in Ordinary Time
Dn. 7:15-27 | Ps. Dn. 3:82-87 |Lk. 21:34-36
This is the last day of the Church Year. Tomorrow is the First Sunday of Advent and the beginning of a New Church Year. The readings, therefore, bring us to reflect on the life we live and upon the end of our lives. Both readings encourage us to live in such a way that we will not have to fear or worry about the end of our lives or the end of the world. Daniel is relating the end of the Jewish Kingdom. He is calling the King to repentance so that the prediction of the fall of the Kingdom might be different.
Jesus, likewise, is calling us to be on guard so that our lives do not become filled with the cares and indulgences of the world. There is nothing wrong with looking for pleasantries or enjoying life. What is a cause for concern is that our lives become consumed with keeping up with the things of this world and wanting the latest and the best.
When you walk the mall, or simply go to the grocery store, watch to see how your attention is caught by the things that are offered. Do you find yourself seeking things? Do you spend most of the time wishing you could have this or that? Ask God to help you to recognize that God will provide for your needs. Ask God for the freedom not to want the latest and the best of everything. Spend time in prayer today in gratitude for all you have received this past year.