33rd Sunday of Ordinary Time [C]

 

33RD SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME [C]


If you allow yourself to have an experience of God, it might translate into something positive. Or it might translate into something negative. It all depends on how you are living your life. The way Malachi describes it, you could be marching straight on into a blast furnace. But he also provides an alternative image: imagine yourself being warmed by the rays of the sun (see Mal. 3:19-20). Both cases have to do with the notion of heat. In the first instance, it’s a destructive heat; in the second instance, it’s a heat that brings healing and renewal. 


Some of you will remember a Beatles song from 1969: Here Comes The Sun. How should we feel about this impending arrival? Does the coming of the sun represent bad news? No, according to the lyrics, this needs to be understood as good news. The ice is melting. We are being liberated from the oppression of winter. A smile is now returning to your face. As far as you are concerned, this is truly “all right.”  In fact, this line will be repeated over and over again: it’s all right. 


Think for a moment about the life that you are living. Think about the pattern; is it all right? If so, then your experience of God will likewise be “all right.”  Actually, more than all right. We get to listen in as Paul makes reference to his own pattern of conduct. What kind of a pattern is it? We can say that it’s an “all right” pattern of conduct. He dedicates himself to being an asset, rather than a liability (see 2nd Thess. 3:7-12). 


Essentially, he’s setting an example. He’s hoping that the people of Thessalonica will take note. And he is hoping furthermore that we will likewise be taking note. We need to learn from the benefit of his example. By following the apostle’s example, we will be putting ourselves in position. We’ll be able to look forward to a positive encounter with the Lord. We’ll be saying hello to the sun. Conversely, if our preference is for a life of sin, then we will be heading in the direction of the blast furnace. 


Meanwhile, what about the near term? We have spoken to some extent about the final outcome: what’s waiting for us at the end of our journey. But we need to give some consideration to the journey itself. What should we be expecting in the near term? Will your life be an easy life, if you choose to imitate the example of St. Paul? Probably not. For his part, St. Paul had to face a significant number of challenges. Note additionally what’s being outlined in Luke chapter twenty one. The disciples are being forewarned: persecutions await you. However, Jesus assures them: I will be accompanying you through it all (see Luke 21:5-19). In other words, it’s going to be all right—more than all right.  

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