Time Framing: “He comes to rule the earth” (Psalm 98:9).

November 26: Wednesday of Week 34 of Ordinary Time, Year A-II:

Revelation 15:1-4; Psalm 98:1, 2-3, 7-8, 9; Luke 21:12-19

Click here for the complete text of today’s readings.

Thoughts to help us take responsibility as stewards of the kingship of Christ.

(To support  Reaching Jesus: 5 Steps to a Fuller Life ... Step Five )

Time Framing

“He comes to rule the earth” (Psalm 98:9).

Is Jesus contradicting himself when he says to the “faithful stewards” of his kingship, “they will have you led before kings and governors because of my name… and they will put some of you to death… but not a hair on your head will be destroyed”? Unless his followers are all bald, “destroyed” must not mean to Jesus what it means in ordinary speech.

It doesn’t. For Jesus, short-term destruction—and defeat—is long-term survival and triumph. Earthly kings have eyeblink reigns and momentary power. Jesus alone is “king of the nations” who will reign forever, and “of his kingdom there will be no end” (Luke 1:33).

Who will not fear you, Lord, or glorify your name? For you alone are holy.

All the nations will come and worship before you.

The waiting we proclaim during the Rite of Communion at every Mass is intrinsic to Christianity: we “await the blessed hope and manifestation of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ” (Titus  2:13). Christian living is synonymous wth perseverance. The value of the present depends on its relevance to the future.  As his stewards, especially, Jesus cautions us to “be dressed for action and have your lamps lit, like those who are waiting for their master to return (Luke 12:35).

PRAY: “Lord, give me “steadfast love” (Exodus 34:6).

PRACTICE: “Press on toward the goal, for the prize of the heavenly call in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14).