I had one of those interesting conversations with my sister as I visited her home on Sunday and shared a bowl of soup. We catch up on the latest although the latest is usually about her weekly visit to the hairdresser, her son’s days at a group home and local happenings.
We were talking about a family friend who recently died and it got me thinking about the Scriptures this week that reference end-of-life concerns as we end one liturgical year and begin a new one this coming Sunday, the first Sunday of Advent.
What I appreciate about the Scripture readings today is that they are upbeat, positive, and more than that, thankful. They remind us of the healing remedies that God’s kindness has bestowed upon us throughout our lives. Not many of us would speak of these remedies in language used in the Book of Revelation but being thankful is a word we all understand and that is what Revelations is telling us to be for the life we have been given.
In the opening prayer at mass today we prayed that we receive in greater measure the healing remedies that God’s kindness has bestowed on us. What are some of them that we can acknowledge and be thankful for? The psalmist today reminds us of some to be grateful to God for:
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Calling us to life and ensuring that we would possess eternal life through the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
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His kindness and compassion.
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The rivers and mountains he has created and provided for us.
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Treating us with justice and equity.
Mary's response captured her gratitude when she declared that her soul magnifies the Lord, her spirit rejoiced in God her Savior and the Almighty One had done great things for her.
For myself I often recall the words of Psalm 8 that that speaks of our being made a little less than the angels.
What are some things you are thankful for and would you describe your gratitude to God?
Today, let us ask God to stir up in us what is needed to bring our lives to a successful completion, to provide us with the graces we need so as to run the race and win the prize assured by our Lord himself.
"Remain faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life."
Rev 2:10
- Father Leo's inspirational homily was recorded live this morning during Mass at the Father Peyton Center. Please view the video on our Facebook page. (You don't need a Facebook account to view.)
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