First Reading: Malachi 3:19-20a

The Old Testament of our Catholic Bible ends with this chapter from the prophet Malachi, the last of the Scroll of the Twelve [minor prophets].  In some translations, these verses begin a fourth chapter in the book.  It is a warning and a promise for those who remain steadfast in their observance of the Law of God.  The light of truth from God will expose and burn away the evil among us.  It will also re-establish the reign of truth and justice.  The rising of the sun also signified a new era in history.

The use of “stubble” and “fire” are more than just graphic in their use.  They are keywords to indicate God’s final judgment upon the wicked.  “The day” is the Day of the Lord, when all things will be set aright by God.  The destruction of the root and branch means that nothing will be left, neither their source nor their future.

This passage is an announcement and prophecy to a people, who suffered under oppression and looked to a God to transform a world, which had gone astray.  The “fear” is one of awe and respect.  It is not the same word as “dread.”  In later years of Judaism, God was reverenced by not calling Him by His revealed name, Yahweh.  The Lord was known as “the Name,” especially in the books of Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi.

Second Reading: 2 Thessalonians 3:7-12

Although our work does not bring about the final day of judgment by the Lord, we still have an important role to prepare for it – both ourselves and others.  Paul uses the most convincing argument to emphasize his point.  He offered his own example for them.  It was not to boast over them, but to encourage them to make an effort.

Paul uses a play on words.  “Keeping busy” and “minding the business of others” are two verbs that use the same basic root word – work!  Working for one’s upkeep is a common virtue among moralists in many cultures.  Not only are some of the Thessalonians not doing any beneficial work in society, but they are even interfering in the lives of those who do!  They cause disorder, the opposite of what the work of God does in bringing about order and balance in creation.  Their work undoes the work, which is being done by others.  They neglect the need of mutual responsibility, a cooperative effort among the members of the Church to build up their community.  Paul insisted that the members of the Church be mindful of the social effects of their activities.

Gospel: Luke 21:5-19

As we get near the end of the Church’s year before the beginning of Advent, the readings look to the final judgment upon creation, the end time.  With the cosmic images added in the narrative, it is called apocalyptic eschatology.  Jesus advises people on how to prepare.  They are not to rely on human activity, even the offering in the Temple.  For the Jew in Jerusalem, the knowledge that the daily offerings were being made by the priests gave people the assurance that all was right in the world.  God was in the midst of His people.  Changes would disturb that sense of security.

In this passage, Jesus has completed His journey to Jerusalem and is teaching in the Temple (Lk 19:45).  Although the followers of Jesus will be judged by humans, they are given a promise: “not a hair on your head will be destroyed.”  The turmoil that surrounded them and was even in their homes (“handed over by parents, brothers, relatives and friends”) should not undermine their confidence in Jesus, who will not desert them.  The plan of God for their salvation is not without the suffering of individuals “because of my name.”  The apparent chaos is not beyond God’s control.  It does not challenge or threaten His work.

I think that I was first made aware of the chaos of changes in the world, when I visited my parents’ home many years ago.  Dad had just purchased a new television set.  I would often come into the house, grab the remote, and sit down in one of the easy chairs in the family room.  I couldn’t find the remote, so I went to the TV to turn it on.  I could find the “on” switch!  I had to ask Dad what button to push.  It wasn’t in an obvious place!  A similar thing happened when I came to my present assignment in the parish.  I was used to working with computers in my other assignments, but I couldn’t find the “on” switch to the one at my desk!  I had to call a parishioner at work, who helped set up our computer system.  It was an unmarked (as far as I could see!) key on the keyboard.  Those were not the only times that I felt helpless in the face of our advanced technology!

This sense of unbridled chaos in scientific technology or even in the sociology of our own day is not a portent of the destruction of creation and the end-of-days.  Rather, with confidence in our shared faith in God, we may be going through birth pains to greater opportunities for recognizing the work of God among us.  It may not look like it at the time.  It is painful and confusing!  But when we learn how to turn on the power of the Holy Spirit in using the modern devices and modern ideas in our own age, we may be surprised to see the unchanging Light of the world, which is shining and guiding us through the swirl of changes.

Fr. Richard C. Macey is pastor of Our Lady of the Woods Parish, Woodhaven.