Reflection/Homily for Friday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time 1st December 2023

Reflection/Homily for Friday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time 1st December 2023 

Daniel 7:2-14. Daniel 3:53,54,55,56,57,58,59. Luke 21:29-33.

In the first reading, we have the apocalyptic vision of Daniel. This vision brings to our mind the end time and the ultimate realisation of the kingdom of God. These visions are not meant to frighten or scare us. They are meant to lead us us to God with a sincere conversion and true repentance.

We must keep away from sin  and be prepared to meet our Lord whenever He returns. Even though we are not certain of when this will take place, the truth remains that He will come back again.

Today's Gospel features the parable of the fig tree. It can tell Jesus' disciples by simple observation that summer is near. In our own time, the first rains are signs for farmers to start preparing their crops for the next farming season.

To prepare adequately to give a good account of our stewardship here on earth before God, every Christian must learn how to interpret the signs of times and what each sign requires us to do. Let us look critically at every event and understand that each one could become a spiritual portal to a more profound life.

The observable signs and events of the times are pointers to the fulfilment of the words of Christ, saying, "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away" (Luke 21:33).

May God keep us faithful to his words and grant us eternal salvation through Christ our Lord. Amen.