17/11/2024

Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Though everything else - including our lives on earth, shall disappear, Jesus Christ said, “My words will not pass away”.  These words pronounced on Mount of Olives while Jesus was facing The Temples are what is known as The Eschatological Discourse. 

Eschatological is the posh word for the “study of the end.”

Jesus, son of Joseph was a man and – as people realised after his resurrection – also God. He is The Christ, The Word of God which, rooted in eternity, is there for ever.

All things material – including each of our lives in space-time - eventually run out of time. However, the teachings of Jesus – the road to heaven -  is constantly there. All we have to do is to walk – jog or run – along it by living the virtues Jesus taught us.

As well as living by faith, hope and love, there are the four ’cardinal’ virtues of prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance.’ They are called ‘cardinal’ not because they are lived by Cardinals. The term cardinal comes from the Latin cardo (hinge). All other virtues – such as chastity,  diligence, kindness, patience, and humility - fall under - and hinge upon -  them.

Generations – some forty to fifty – have passed these 21 centuries since Jesus Christ’s resurrection. His teaching has been there  - as it is currently for us - to inspire each of these generation. Christ’s teachings – his words and life -  have the ability and give each generation the opportunity to guide and inspire them to make their life journey  - through death – to divine eternity.

As we approach the end of this Liturgical Year – Advent starts 1st December - I am reminded that - aged 85  - I have lived some  95% of my life. 5% to go. Then, though I shall disappear, Christ’s teachings will endure – and be there for you and your descendants – of which, being celibate, I have none. So, there is no need for me to worry about the future.