God knows how weak we can be

By Norm McGraw

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/112622.cfm
Revelation 22:1-7
Luke 21:34-36

I’ve mentioned before that I look for the common idea in the two readings of the Mass as the basis for my reflection. For the readings of Saturday’s mass of the thirty-fourth week, the common idea is “time.” Specifically, the readings refer to the time when we meet Our Maker and how we prepare for that meeting.

The first reading is from Revelations (Revelations 22:1-7). Here John describes heaven. He states, “Night will be no more, nor will they need light from lamp or sun, for the Lord God shall give them light, and they shall reign forever and ever.” Later, he continues, “the Lord, the God of prophetic spirits, sent his angel to show his servants what must happen soon. ‘Behold, I am coming soon’.”

In the second reading from Luke (Luke 21:34-36), Jesus tells his disciples how to prepare to face God after our life here on earth. “Be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent and to stand before the Son of Man.”

When we reflect upon the concept of time, we view it in perspective, such as the past (what has happened), the present (what is happening), and the future (what will happen). Our past is riddled with happy and sad moments, the present becomes the past before we know it, and the future can be anything from something hopeful to something dreadful. 

As a scientist, Albert Einstein viewed space and time as related properties in nature.

But God doesn’t view time as we do. He is omnipotent, all-knowing, all-loving, the Creator of all things, the Ultimate Judge and the Almighty, He sees time past, present, and future as now.

That view is one that we will never completely grasp. That’s because God’s view is always NOW, His advice comes from a perfect perspective. 

Jesus explains it to us. “Be vigilant at all times.” In effect, he is telling us to stay focused on God’s two greatest commandments—love Him and love your neighbors. Act the way that He would want you to act.

This is a difficult challenge for us because every day we are faced with “tribulations that are imminent” that are part of “the anxieties of daily life.”  That’s why daily prayer, or just a moment each day to reflect on your relationship with God, is a very helpful habit.

God knows how weak we humans can be. That’s why He continually prods us to be good.

By doing what He wishes, we do what’s best for ourselves.