Readings:
2 John 4-9.
Luke 17:36-37
Reflection:
As we approach the end of the liturgical year, the daily readings remind us of the “last day,” when the Son of Man will come or be revealed. One may wonder why we do not live now? Can we start the journey of hope here and now?
According to today’s Gospel, Jesus recalls two classical examples from Genesis about the ‘day.’ They were the ‘day’ of Noah and Lot, which contained the same situation of people who were eating and drinking, marrying or buying, selling, planting and building. This was a normal atmosphere until the ‘day’ when “Noah went into the ark” or “Lot left Sodom.” The turning point is ‘going’ or ‘leaving’, as Jesus also adds, ‘not coming down or turning back.’
This day is also happening in our daily lives when we are asked or invited to go or leave. We go into a secure position or leave a dangerous place. Like Noah’s Ark is a symbol of faith and obedience, we are asked to be ready to go into a deeper understanding of our inner sacred place. Unlike Lot’s wife, we are invited to keep going on the journey of hope without turning back or going out of it.
In the journey of hope, we acknowledge that we are living as human beings with all essential activities, and we are also aware that the situation of our lives is changing. Mindful of the changes, let us be prepared to be with God and keep journeying so we can avoid any strong attachment as we are turning or going out.
JD Tân T CP is a Vietnamese Passionist who lives and studies further at the Holy Cross Retreat, Templestowe.