Most of us have lived through both challenging and peaceful times. And because we've experienced both, we have perspective. But that doesn't mean that we don't feel anxious when we are in the midst of a storm, whether literally like the recent hurricane, Ida, or the U.S. and refugee evacuation from Afghanistan.
So, how do we live with the uncertainty? We imagine Paul responding to the Thessalonian's anxiousness in wondering when Jesus would return when he says, "concerning the times and the seasons … you have no need for anything to be written down … for you know that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night."
On the one hand, it's good to know that Jesus will return, but on the other, if we're honest, we want to write it into our schedule. Why? Because we want to prepare and, most likely, know how much time we have to straighten up our act.
Last week I mentioned I needed to clean out my office. It was a mountain of files, notes, cards, and even pictures that I needed to box up—just like the rest of my colleagues, as we tried to keep up with the rest of our responsibilities. And, even though we had the deadline of last Friday -- there was still the uncertainty of whether we'd be ready as we took care of other tasks.
In the end, it came down to deciding our priorities because everything left in our offices after Friday most likely would wind up in the dumpster.
St. Paul reminds us,
"Brothers and sisters, (you) are not in darkness, for that day to overtake you like a thief ... For all of you are children of the light and children of the day."
As we hear those words of encouragement from St. Paul, they can help us to believe that God wants us to remember that Jesus died for us to gain salvation and eternal life.
In the gospel, we are also reminded that Jesus has the power to cleanse our souls from anything unclean—anything that would render us unprepared to meet Him. Taking stock of our possessions is important, but more importantly, we are to be vigilant with the state of our souls, regularly turning to Jesus in Confession for forgiveness and strength.
Lastly, we're called by St. Paul to "… encourage and build one another up." There was a lot of that at the Father Peyton Center last week, and it made all the difference—so it is with prayer and helpfulness and kindness in our families and among our neighbors.
No matter what happens, no matter when Jesus comes, St. Paul and Jesus have told us how to live---with faith, hope, and love for God and each other.
