Fr. Don's Daily Reflection - August 31, 2021
Psalm 62: “In you alone is my soul at rest. My help comes from you.”
People in the time of Christ and the apostles thought in terms of a smaller world and a shorter history than we now do. The early Christians expected that the end of things would happen in their lifetime. Paul tells his readers not to be too concerned about getting married if they aren't (I Cor. 7:25-31); the time is so short it is hardly worth getting the license. Today, we are aware of the vast distances in our universe and its immense age. The universe and time might seem endless but human life seldom gets much beyond a hundred years. Our tears, our rejoicing, our purchases, our building, our pleasures, our ambitions -- they are all ultimately passing. We need not despise these things or consider them of no account. No.
Our grief and joy, even our home and choice of work, are extremely important. But somehow we must also be able to see beyond them. This is what Paul means in the same passage when he writes: “Those who weep should live as though they were not weeping, and those who rejoice as though they were not rejoicing. . . . “ He tells us that these, too, shall pass. Our lasting treasure is deeper and survives the tears and joy; it's found in God and our relation to God.
Christians cannot regard this world and its contents as so important that they will do anything to get what they desire. Perhaps we have to admit that we're at a disadvantage compared to those who have no belief in anything but the world they can buy, touch and collect. Christians believe we are also citizens of a world that cannot be bought, collected or touched, but which lasts forever.
Psalm 27: “I believe I shall see the Lord’s goodness / in the land of the living.
Wait for the Lord; be strong; / be stouthearted, and wait for the Lord!”
