When I was reading today’s gospel, I found the last line most thought-provoking and disturbing. John’s letter commends the brethren for their support and hospitality to the itinerant missionaries who were spreading the good news, but the last sentence in the gospel asks the question we each can ask ourselves: “But when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”

Many times, Jesus warned what justice would look like — the wailing and gnashing of teeth, persons cast out into the darkness, cast into the fires of Gehenna, and total severance from God’s love. These are unthinkable punishments but unswerving statements of consequence from the Lord. However, our hope can be found in the admonition used during the Ash Wednesday services — “Repent and live the Gospel.”

Just what will Jesus find? Will he find the widow and the orphan, the poor and the prisoner being cared for? Or are they being ignored as the rich man ignored Lazarus, who sat begging at his gate? Is creation being cared for prudently, or is man’s dominion over creation being squandered in a lust for wealth and power? An honest assessment of our individual actions may surprise us, and we may find we have quite a bit to reconcile before Christ the King returns. As we approach Advent, may we be open and honest with ourselves and greet the new Church year with joy and gladness.

Let us pray:

Lord Jesus, help us see you more clearly, follow you more closely, and love you dearly daily. Help us see your face in all we meet and show your face in return. Amen.