Lo, the day is coming      or         The Big Reveal

On October 23^rd I began writing a series of articles focused on the coming last Sundays in ordinary time.  This first article spoke of the apocalypse as more than just an end but as a revealing.  Today’s readings offer two images to make this point.

In the first reading the Prophet Malachi speaks of a fire that will leave neither root nor branch from which will arise the sun of justice with its healing rays.

In the gospel Jesus uses an image that will resonate with the Jewish people to whom he was preaching.  He speaks of the destruction of the temple so complete that each ornamental stone will be separated from the next.

So……    If the apocalypse is a (sort of) ending; what does it reveal?

The answer can be found in next week’s gospel.  Luke 23:35-43

Take a look by clicking the link.  Go ahead, you’re allowed.  (I’ll wait.)

The sort of ending is the story of Jesus’ crucifixion.  The big reveal is that Jesus’ death, the death of the repentant thief and you and me is not the end. 

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Todays music attempt to capture the multiple threads of the readings and the time of the liturgical year.  Several songs have been repeated throughout these last Sunday to help build our parish repertoire.

One new song; Refiner’s Fire Purify My Heart  relates directly to the words of the prophet Malachi and Jesus.   May we all strive for holiness and readiness to do the will of God.

In gratitude,

Bruce

p.s.

On Monday November 21 at 7:30 St. Mary’s hosts the Nutley/Belleville Ecumenical Service.  Leave the turkey to defrost and start Thanksgiving Week off on a great note. (pun, somewhat intended)