ENDLESS TOMORROWS?

11.28.21 GOSPEL    LK: 21:25-28, 34-36

Strangely enough, after reading this week’s Gospel I was drawn to Diana Warwick’s sensational, song from the 1966 romance called “What’s it all About Alfie?”  The lyrics call for the listener to contemplate the real meaning of life and love.  Warwick’s song made me pause to think about my time and how I treat those on my journey.

This is obviously one of those “boot shaking” readings.  Before His return, Jesus describes to His disciples certain, unavoidable signs that will shake up humankind.  These signs will be manifested in the sun, the moon, the stars and on earth.  It is difficult to read this and not experience some level of discomfort.

There will be signs. My simple mind (by default) asks, “What are today’s signs that we are overlooking today that may tie into this warning?”  We are certainly witnessing unprecedented and distressing signs in the dramatic changes in the environment.  Our precious earth seems to be crying out in anguish from the pain we inflict upon her.  American Natives believe it is everyone’s duty to care for “Unci Maka” or Mother Earth.  Too many have refused to do so and live their brief existence as if there will be endless tomorrows.  Sounds much like the adolescent who lives as if tomorrow will never come.

Much like the physical road signs in our communities that warn us to slow down, to stop and to yield to traffic, God is speaking to us in sacred scripture by asking us to do the same. To stop, to slow down and to yield.  Are you not concerned also with the signs of political dissention leading to violence and death, rampant abortion, pedophilia in our church, racist hate groups, censorship of historical fact, distortion & suppression of truth, gun violence, child-sex trafficking, and drug overdoses? And there are certainly more signs to come.

Dear reader, “Can one really argue that evil is no longer hiding itself in the shadows?” Look around and see the attitudes of those who behave as if there will never be an end to tomorrow.  Prophecy has unveiled herself on many occasions, but we fail to believe there are messages in these forecasts.  I suggest we pray from our hearts. To drop to our knees collectively and to beg for redemption.  We cannot continue to lull ourselves into the trap of believing that it is somebody’s else problem, that the Holy Gospel is simply a fictional portrayal to rouse the senses or for that matter that there will be endless tomorrows to care for Unci Maka and our fellow citizens.  Pax.

The Pilgrim.