We believe in a God of the Living and the Dead … the more we listen to God the quicker we reach happiness on earth
Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time – November 17, 2024
Our readings today challenge us to reflect on whether we are ready for the consequences of our actions, but also that Christ will be close to us in the time of distress if we remain faithful.
It’s not obvious for us, but for the first time the Old Testament Reading expresses clearly the Resurrection with a high degree of certainty: that we will live again after death in happiness with God Before that, live after death was seen as a life in sheol: unknown and uncertain.
For too long, the way we have passed our faith on to the next generation, has relied on a subtle or direct kind of fear: eg. “be good or you’ll go to hell”. When we are young, it’s true that our ability to think about consequences is slow to develop: the latest brain research indicates the age of 21-23 before the frontal lobe has completed development. So a little healthy fear is sometimes the only thing to stop us when strong temptations come.
However, the focus in religious education has often been the moment of death. And we forget that we believe in a God of the living. God wants us to be happy before death, not just live with God in peace and joy after death.
So, what stops us from having a happy life? Of course, a lack of the essential things necessary for life: water, food, medical care and shelter. But, beyond this, there are two key reasons:
First, the “sin” of jealousy/ envy for what others have, and our desire to get what they have. This can be a real temptation when we are suffering in poverty and surrounded by corruption and corrupt politicians. Leading us to think, “everyone else is cheating so why not me, also?”
The antidote/ medicine to stop these “jealous” feelings is to appreciate what we have.
Wikipedia – A Fortunate Life
The readings encourage us to remember, that one day the corrupt people will be called to account: Governments change, and an honest politician will eventually come: especially when the country/ business becomes bankrupt, they will go looking for the missing funds or property.
The second reason we sometimes fail to have a happy life is when we lack respect for others and ourselves: when we use other people for pleasure or to increase my wealth, including the sin of gluttony. The negative consequences can be many, but especially our physical and mental health can suffer, or our security can reduce because of anger from others.
Traditionally, we think the words of Jesus and the prophets are a one off event: the big one, when God decides whether we go to Heaven or Hell. However, these times of distress afflict our lives on a regular basis. We can be tempted to feel that God must be punishing us for our wrong doing, but there are three key reasons why we suffer:
1) The consequences of bad decisions: either deliberate or due to lack of knowledge;
2) We become innocent victims of misbehaviour by others: they abuse their freedom: we can see the effect of corruption on the multitude of people in Kenya; or
3) The world around us is constantly changing, although climate change can be blamed largely on human activity, many other natural events “just happen”.
When we live according to the teachings of God and the Church, we may not be materially rich, but we are usually rich in friendships and family life: the happiness that lasts a lifetime. The Readings are actually encouraging and confirm that God is ever present and guiding us to peace and happiness in moments of distress: but are we listening and willing to respond?
When we are crushed like grapes, we cannot think of the wine we will become. The sorrow overwhelms us, makes us throw ourselves on the ground, facedown, and sweat drops of blood. Then we need to be reminded that our cup of sorrow is also our cup of joy and that one day we will be able to taste the joy as fully as we now taste the sorrow. (Fr Henri Nouwen, 12-11-2024)
But how can we move from the cup of sorrow to the cup of joy? Often it’s about our expectations and pride. In a book entitled “A fortunate Life” (by Albert Facey). Albert, a young Australian man sent to WW1, wrote home with amazement that he’s given food by the army when all his short life he’d had to go hunting every day, and they even provided bullets so he didn’t have to refill his old cartridges. Meanwhile, the enemy were trying to kill him!
Thanks to one of our youth for sharing this practical reminder: Google Maps kind of reflects the way God speaks to us: Google doesn’t say, “Hey, you’re going the wrong way!” when you take a wrong turn. It simply adjusts your route and tells you the next turn you should take. And just like that, maybe you’re not off track in life. Perhaps your route just got redirected. It might take longer and further to get there, but guess what—you’re still on track.
But we arrive faster if we listen to God more often and not be too stubborn by going “my own way”. Finally, what is your destination? God is ever patient with us, don’t lose hope!
By Gerard Conlan, OMI
