"Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away." Lk 21:33
A person's word is important. In the ancient world everything was done in word and ritual, and oral agreements were binding. As we near the end of another liturgical year, the lectionary focuses on passages that help us understand that no matter how short life is, or how poorly we have lived it, if we turn to God in hope and faith, we will be saved. God's word in Jesus is true. God's word, Jesus, is true.
The faithfulness of God underlies our entire faith tradition. Though we are often unfaithful both as individuals and communities of believers, God has promised always to accompany us in life, to love us, to guide us and welcome us to a place at the eternal banquet forever.
When Mark tells us in forbidding and threatening terms, "In those days after that tribulation the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from the sky, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken," (Mk 13;24) we should not be frightened, but rejoice. The gospel writer wants only to wake us up and remind us that no matter what happens within and around us, God will be faithful.
Today, pray for a peaceful death.
How do you speak with others about death and dying?
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