DAILY REFLECTION (FRIDAY, 1st DECEMBER, 2017)

FRIDAY OF THE THIRTY FOURTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME (Year I)
First Reading: Dan 7:2-14
Psalm: Dan 3. R. v. 53b
Gospel: Lk 21:29-33
Jesus used the fig tree to illustrate the presence of God’s kingdom. The appearance of its leaves is a sign that summer is near. This reveals that once the gospel values are lived out, then it is a sign that God’s kingdom is not just near, but present among us. Living out the gospel values built on love of God and neighbour is just a little sign of God’s kingdom on earth.
This kingdom will be fully realised at the end of time when all will be gathered in Him.
Jesus said to his hearers that the realisation of this kingdom will happen in their time. This does not mean that his final coming will happen in their lifetime. Jesus was in other words saying that by his death and resurrection a new eternal era will be inaugurated where God will be present to them in spirit and in truth. Thus, the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem after the death of Christ will terminate the belief of his followers that God is only present in the temple and thereafter reveal to them that God is now present to each one of them in spirit and in truth.

Our mission here on earth is simply to help make present this kingdom of God. But we have to first realise that by the death of Christ we have all become temples of God’s abiding presence. In other words, God can now be found and experienced in our daily lives. One must not go to a Church to experience God’s presence. His presence can be felt by beaming the gospel light on others through our daily choices fired by the love of God and neighbour. This is a mission which we ought not to fail in achieving - aking the love of God felt here and now. May all our thoughts, words, and action be driven by the love of God present in us.
PRAYER FOR THE DAY
Lord Jesus, make us instruments of your love to make present your kingdom here on earth. Amen.
FR VALENTINE EGBUONU, MSP

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