REFLECTION FOR TODAY
November 14, 2021
By Fr. Andrew Ibegbulem, OSA
“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” Mark 13:31
As we gradually come to the end of the Church’s liturgical year, the Church invites us to meditate on the “last things” – Death, Judgment, Heaven and Hell. As Christian, who are pilgrims here on earth, the Church points our attention to God who is both our destiny and our destination
Our gospel reference above, forms part of Jesus description of the end of time. In truth, Heaven and Earth as it is now will pass away. But the message of the Gospels and the Book of Revelation will never lose its meaning. We are reminded that Jesus will return in splendor and glory and will make all things new.
The world as we know it will be made anew, and Heaven will be joined to this new Earth, and all will be one. Jesus will reign in this new world as the glorious King of all. One thing this tells us is that we should not become overly attached to the things of this passing world.
Earthly wealth and possessions may offer a temporary satisfaction to our lives, but this satisfaction will never be permanent. With time, the things of this world will all disappear. So, if we work to build up only earthly wealth and possessions, we should know that all those things will eventually pass away, and we would be left with nothing.
So, what is it that is eternal? The answer is given in today’s gospel reference. Jesus says that His “words will not pass away.” Namely, all that is true and revealed by God as true is eternal and worth holding on to. This reveals to us that Jesus’ words are the true riches that we must seek.
By embracing His Word, clinging to it, entering it, believing it, and letting it change us, we are embracing the eternal. We are embracing that which we will have for all eternity. This is an important truth to understand and live. Being vigilant and focus on the word that will not pass away can help us find Jesus present with us at all time and be prepare for the “last things” – Death, Judgment, Heaven and Hell.
Reflect, today, upon the simple fact that everything in life is passing away except the words of our Lord. All that He has spoken and revealed to us will remain for all time, and these truths are the only thing in life worth working for. Turn your eyes to the Word of God and try to grasp its meaning more deeply so that you can begin to build up treasure in Heaven here and now!
Lord, I do believe all that You have spoken and revealed. Help me to listen to You more and to cling to Your every word. Give me the grace not to lost sight of what is more important for my eternal salvation and help me to be focus and prepare for the “last things” Jesus, I trust in You.