Beloved, we are God's children now;
what we shall be has not yet been revealed.
We do know that when it is revealed we shall be like him,
for we shall see him as he is.
Everyone who has this hope based on him makes himself pure,
as he is pure.
In today's second reading, Saint John amens Saint Paul's confident prophecy about God's children, which expected,
"...the sufferings of this present time are as nothing compared with the glory to be revealed for us. For creation awaits with eager expectation the revelation of the children of God..."
Both authors insist that this mystery will be revealed. While it is something we should strive toward, we cannot expect to achieve it. It will be revealed by the One who reveals.
And so they speak of hope. On this first day of November, deep into the autumn of the year, we celebrate those who see clearly what we and all creation long to see. These fortunate, holy ones are our own people, and we can boast of them even as we enjoy their companionship.
Hope is an active passivity, and a passive activity. Within prayer, in the presence of God, we resolve to be here, and to wait passively for that great day to come. Outside of prayer, we actively engage the world with our duties, responsibilities, and mission. We prepare for that event which will be completed by the One who reveals its fulfillment and satisfaction. We can only prepare; we don't make it happen.
And on November 1 we take time to imagine that great day, and to celebrate those who have gone ahead of us into God's kingdom. How happy they are; and how happy we are for them! And they, for us!
We hear again the Lord describe their merits in his Sermon on the Mount. They are poor in spirit, meek, pure of heart, merciful, and peaceful. They have mourned deeply, and have pursued justice. They were persecuted for the sake of righteousness; perhaps they were discouraged, but they did not despair.
They gave the Spirit of Jesus mastery of their lives as they practiced purifying penance. Their greatest concern was they should not get in his way. No desire, preference, or conviction should obstruct God's activity in their thoughts, words, or deeds. But if they were putty in God's hands, they were iron in the face of his opponents. They could not conform to the ways of the world, for he had made them a fortified city, a pillar of iron, a wall of bronze against the whole land.
As winter approaches and the world darkens we celebrate the lights that shine in darkness. We see brilliance in the saints, those we know personally and those who have gone ahead of us. We expect to see it in future generations as well, for the Lord will not abandon his people. His kingdom will not fail.
"This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad." Psalm 118:24
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.