Each day the hours of sunlight shining down upon us becomes fewer and fewer. The end of the calendar year is approaching. So, too, is the end of the church year, and with the passing of each year, so too our life on earth. Today’s readings call our attention to the end of time and God’s judgment.
In the first reading (Malachi 3:19-20a), Malachi uses the image of the sun. The sun can scorch and set fire, but it also heals with its warming rays. So it will be at the end of time. For the evildoer, judgment will be terrible, but glory and joy await the faithful steward. So let’s be generous with the time, talent, and treasure God has given us here to use on his behalf. After all, it’s better to be praised for our good deeds at the heavenly banquet, than punished for our bad ones at the gathering down below. Or to put it more succinctly, it’s better to be toasted than roasted.
- Fr. Carl
“Sometimes it may seem as though God does not react to evil, as if He is silent. And yet God has spoken. He has replied, and His answer is the cross of Christ: a word that is love, mercy, forgiveness.” ~ Pope Francis
