Psalm 62: “In you alone is my soul at rest. My help comes from You.”

“Stand up straight and raise your heads, for your liberation is near at hand.” (Luke 21: 28). When Luke recounts the words of Jesus about his return and the end of things, we hear the familiar language of devastation, signs in the sun, moon and stars, fright and panic. Jesus doesn't say: “When these things begin to happen,” take off for the hills, cower in caves, beat your breasts and shake with fear. No: “Stand up straight and raise your heads, for your liberation is near at hand.”

Unlike fear-mongering preachers of the past and present, the words of Jesus in Luke urge us to see in the coming of the Son of Man -- “on a cloud with great power and glory” -- the definitive sign of our salvation, the spirit of Advent, the arrival of lasting happiness and union with God.

Despite misuse of his message over the centuries to scare and frighten people, that message should fill those who live according to their consciences and close to God with confidence and joy. We have no right to live in fear and worry because of our faith. Doesn't that really demean faith? Rather: “Stand up and raise your heads, for your liberation is near at hand.”

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!”

Reply to Fr. Don at: DTalafous@csbsju.edu

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