On this “extra” day of the year, we are offered one persistent message repeated in all the passages: Trust in mortals and be cursed and tormented, or trust in the Lord and be rewarded for one’s good deeds.
Our first reading vividly describes the two opposing results of trusting other gods (with a lowercase g) versus trusting in the Lord. One becomes like a barren bush standing in lava waste or like green leaves showing no distress and bearing fruit. Who would not want the latter?
But if these similes are not convincing enough, we move on to the psalm that reinforces the dichotomy of following wicked counsel or the laws of the Lord. The straightforward conclusion is that the Lord knows and rewards us according to our merits and promises blessings to those who follow God’s laws.
Jesus instructs us with a Gospel parable to further reinforce the same idea: the unbelieving wicked will suffer and be tormented in the netherworld. In contrast, those who suffer much during earthly life will be comforted and enjoy the celestial banquet with the Lord.
Are we not a bit stirred by this insistent assurance – hopeful of the good and fearful of the bad that may be ours? Are the graphic descriptions of what awaits us not enough to compel us to repent and live the Gospel? In our hours of distress, although we know better, we may doubt and lose our ways – but thank God we have our faith, friends, and family to guide us and the Eucharist to sustain us through all our trials and tribulations.
Let Us Pray:
O God, direct the hearts of your servants to yourself, that caught up in the fire of your Spirit, we may be found steadfast in faith and effective in works. Amen. (From today’s Collect)