Realities

Malachi 3:19-20a
2 Thessalonians 3:7-12
Luke 21:5-19

My brothers and sisters – these readings before us today – are difficult readings – they speak to us about the harsh realities of this world – realities that some of us would rather not talk about – realities that some of us wish didn’t exist – ones that we would rather just ignore:

- The first reality that our readings speak to us about today is the reality that evil exists and that human nature is powerless against it

Our first reading from the book of the prophet Malachi – supports this reality. Malachi lived about 450 years before the birth of Christ. We aren’t sure if Malachi was his real name – in Hebrew Malachi means “my messenger” or “my angel”. Some people believe he didn’t use his real name because what he wrote would have resulted in certain death.
We hear in our first reading this spokesman for God rebuking the people of Israel for their many sins and for their hypocrisy. The issues he was speaking out against aren’t part of our reading today – but here they are: (see how many of these issues from 2500 years ago are the same as the issues we are facing today)

1. God’s chosen people had become careless and lax in keeping His laws.
2. Priests neglected their duties and showed partiality in their judgments.
3. People failed to give tithes and offerings.
4. They questioned God’s goodness and His love for them.
5. Divorce was commonly practiced.
6. And, when they came to worship God, they did not enjoy it, they grumbled that it made them weary.

Malachi strongly condemned each of these sins. The prophet words to the Israelites then, and to each of us today, is that those who fear God have no need to fear His justice - but those, the proud and the evildoers - who do not fear God - the day is coming, blazing like an oven, when they will be made stubble.

Many people today – smart, intelligent people – believe that they know better than everyone else – that they know what is right and what is wrong – that they don’t need anyone – let alone an old fashioned out-of-touch with reality Church – to tell them what is best for them and their children – many Catholics - who don’t agree with Church teaching - have moved on to other churches that tell them what they want to hear – but not the truth – these people want to be comfortable in their lifestyles – they want to be justified in their choices – and there is nothing you can say or do to change their minds.
I tell you it is not the Catholics that have left the Church that are as much as a problem as the ones who haven’t left but continue to poison the Church from within – wanting to silence those that call them to change their lifestyles or caution them on the choices they make.

The Prophet Malachi’s warning to the Jewish people then is just as relevant to each of us today - the Day of Judgment is coming - and we must be prepared.

- The next reality our readings speak to us about is the reality that those who fall victim to sin become slaves to sin

Each adult here knows this is true – commit a sin – commit a serious sin and that sin will haunt you – that sin will drag you down – that sin will become a stumbling block – an impediment - between you and the only thing that can set you free from it – Jesus Christ – and each adult here who has committed serious sin and then made a good confession – knows this to be true – because they have experienced the liberating affects of the Sacrament of Reconciliation – but how many good Catholics today avoid this sacrament.
- The next reality is the reality that evil rules this world

Just look around – each day the world becomes more and more evil – each day the world becomes a more dangerous place to live and to raise a family – the unanswered cry of the homeless and starving - the growing disparity between the rich and the poor – the powerful and the weak – the exploitation of women and children – the silent screams from the womb that cry out for justice.

- And finally, perhaps the final reality is the reality that the Day of Judgment is coming and that for each of us there are only two possible final destinations – either Heaven or Hell.

Most people today live as if this just isn’t true – that there is no heaven and no hell - and if it is true – they don’t want to think let alone talk about it – others live as if there is no life after death - they are too attached to this world – too materialistic, too proud, too ignorant – to set in their ways to change - or even want to change – they live in fear and darkness – and they have become children of this world – slaves to evil.

Unfortunately my brothers and sisters – Jesus – in our Gospel reading today tells us that these realities will not go away – that these realities will continue and grow in frequency and in intensity: He speaks of wars and insurrections … nations rising against nations … earthquakes, famines, plagues and awesome sights and mighty signs from the sky.”

Jesus warns us that many false prophets will come in His name – and that we should not follow them – He tells us that we will be persecuted – handed over by our own family and friends – and that some of us will even be put to death – all because of His name.

My brothers and sisters our readings today are a wake up call – a warning message - the same message that every prophet has proclaimed throughout the ages - “prepare the way of the Lord, make straight His paths” – repent – for the kingdom of God is at hand.

Preparing the way of the Lord means being open to receive the super abundant graces that Christ brought to this world – the grace we will receive in this Mass – the precious body blood soul and divinity of Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist - the grace we received in the sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation – in Holy Orders, Reconciliation, Matrimony and the Anointing of the Sick.

Besides being open to receive His grace we must be ready to receive it – we must be properly disposed – in a state of grace which can only be achieved through good and regular confessions and a firm resolution not to sin again.

In order to meet our Redeemer, in order to hear those words “well done my good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of your master’s house” - we must “repent” – we must change our hearts - we must make straight His paths – we must approach Him with joyful faith and hope, leaving behind those ways of thinking and living which prevent us from following Him completely.

It is only through regular and frequent participation in Mass and Reconciliation that we can break free of the chains of sin and slavery – it is only then that we can grow spiritually – it is only then that we too can become like St. Paul in our second reading – a model for others to follow – a light shining in the darkness – the very salt of the Earth.

Let us pray today my brothers and sisters that the Lord gives us the strength we need to fight the good fight, to finish the race – to persevere and secure our souls – so that when the tribulations come – no matter how severe they may be – that we might proclaim – As for me and my family, we will serve the Lord – Amen!