Memorial of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, Religious

Whoever seeks to preserve his life will lose it, but whoever loses it will save it.

The gospel passage today is a bit unsettling. It speaks about people being swept away by the flood and dying from fire and brimstone raining down on them. As we approach the end of the church year, however, the focus is on the end times. Jesus is on his way to Jerusalem to die. He does not have much time left. Jesus knows that he faces the ultimate choice soon. Is it any wonder that he speaks so vehemently about the need to choose now and the insecurity of this life?

What was Jesus trying to tell his listeners? What is Jesus saying to us today? We all know that the “end of time” will come at some point. However, we do not know the day or the hour. Most of us do not fret over this or give it much thought. Yet, as Advent approaches, we are invited to consider seriously the direction of our lives, to recognize who we are and where we are going. Our choices determine whether we lose our lives or whether we save them.

Every day, we have a choice. Each morning, we can ask ourselves, “How will I live my life today?” If we lived lovingly, we would not need to fear the future. However, if we are hurtful or indifferent to the individuals in our lives and the world around us, we risk getting some “fire and brimstone.”

Every Mass enables us to imitate Jesus. If we strive to love each day as Jesus did, we will indeed be his disciples and do not need to be afraid of judgment.

Let Us Pray:

O Jesus, help me live each day consciously to please you in all I do. Let me act not out of fear of judgment but out of love for all you have done for me.