Daily Retreat 09/04/07
2007 Sep 4 Tue
1 Thes 5: 1-6. 9-11/ Ps 26(27): 1. 4. 13-14/ Lk 4: 31-37
From today’s readings: “But you are not in darkness, for that day to overtake you like a thief.... I believe that I shall see the good things of the Lord in the land of the living.... Jesus taught them on the Sabbath, and they were astonished at His teaching because He spoke with authority....”
Afraid of the Dark
Pretty much all children go through a phase of being afraid of the dark, and even adults can find their hearts racing madly when some unknown noise is heard at night. Of course, it’s not the darkness itself that frightens, it’s what might be lurking unseen and unknown in the darkness (like a thief at night) that frightens children (and adults).
Much of the future is also unseen and unknown, particularly our own death and the end of the world. So, it’s understandable that such matters appear terrifying to us - at least until viewed with the light of faith. God has indeed illuminated our lives with His revelation - St. Paul reminds us that God did not destine us for wrath, but to gain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ!
Mind you, the future still will be terrifying for those who spend their lives trying to avoid God or keep Him at bay! But for those who want nothing more than “to live together with Him,” no matter how long we have to stay alert and sober, His coming will certainly be worth the wait!
1 Thes 5: 1-6. 9-11/ Ps 26(27): 1. 4. 13-14/ Lk 4: 31-37
From today’s readings: “But you are not in darkness, for that day to overtake you like a thief.... I believe that I shall see the good things of the Lord in the land of the living.... Jesus taught them on the Sabbath, and they were astonished at His teaching because He spoke with authority....”
Afraid of the Dark
Pretty much all children go through a phase of being afraid of the dark, and even adults can find their hearts racing madly when some unknown noise is heard at night. Of course, it’s not the darkness itself that frightens, it’s what might be lurking unseen and unknown in the darkness (like a thief at night) that frightens children (and adults).
Much of the future is also unseen and unknown, particularly our own death and the end of the world. So, it’s understandable that such matters appear terrifying to us - at least until viewed with the light of faith. God has indeed illuminated our lives with His revelation - St. Paul reminds us that God did not destine us for wrath, but to gain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ!
Mind you, the future still will be terrifying for those who spend their lives trying to avoid God or keep Him at bay! But for those who want nothing more than “to live together with Him,” no matter how long we have to stay alert and sober, His coming will certainly be worth the wait!
posted by FrPitstick | 9/03/2007
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