from Fr Bogdan
Sisters and Brothers,
We are in the middle of November, and the shopping centres and other places already have Christmas decorations. Even some houses are decorated on my street. It looks like we are going to the end of the year. In the Catholic Church we are already celebrating the thirty third Sunday of the year. In two weeks, we will start the time of Advent. We will start a new liturgical year.
The end of the year makes people more reflective and thoughtful about the passing of time. Many think about the last year, what they achieved and what they were not able to, some people think about the family members and friends who are no longer with us. We know and we understand that our time is limited. We know that whatever has beginning has to have an end too. Even our Universe.
Today Jesus reminds us of that obvious truth – everything will have its end. Even Jesus paints a vivid picture for our mind’s eyes of the end of time. For many people that image can be scary, maybe even terrifying. The prospect of impending wars and revolutions makes people uneasy, especially today, when we can see tragedies in Ukraine, Palestine and many other places. Jesus’ foretelling of plagues and famine make people worried about the future, about their children and families. We still have very fresh memories of Covid 19. What if the plague will be much more dangerous?
The words of Jesus can be scary and start some anxiety in our minds. But Jesus does not want to frighten us. He simply warns us and tells us what we can expect. Jesus does not try to scare us but rather prepare us for a difficult time, a time of betrayal and persecutions, a time of false accusations and imprisonment.
The Apostles went to many countries; they evangelised in different towns and villages. Many times, they were persecuted and often imprisoned. But at the same time, they knew that they were not alone. Jesus did not leave them alone. His spirit and his wisdom were always with them, especially in the most difficult moments of their mission.
Jesus did not promise his disciples easy lives - lives without problems and unfriendly people around. Not at all. What he promised was his presence, support and help in their moments of need. And Jesus kept his word. He was always with them.
Difficult moments are present in everybody’s lives. They were ages ago, and they will be in the future. But we should not be scared. We know that in these moments Jesus is with us, like he was two thousand years ago with his disciples. So, do not be afraid. Let us pray for the courage to be his witnesses and for wisdom to recognise Jesus’ presence in our hearts.
Have a blessed week,
Fr. Bogdan
We are in the middle of November, and the shopping centres and other places already have Christmas decorations. Even some houses are decorated on my street. It looks like we are going to the end of the year. In the Catholic Church we are already celebrating the thirty third Sunday of the year. In two weeks, we will start the time of Advent. We will start a new liturgical year.
The end of the year makes people more reflective and thoughtful about the passing of time. Many think about the last year, what they achieved and what they were not able to, some people think about the family members and friends who are no longer with us. We know and we understand that our time is limited. We know that whatever has beginning has to have an end too. Even our Universe.
The words of Jesus can be scary and start some anxiety in our minds. But Jesus does not want to frighten us. He simply warns us and tells us what we can expect. Jesus does not try to scare us but rather prepare us for a difficult time, a time of betrayal and persecutions, a time of false accusations and imprisonment.
The Apostles went to many countries; they evangelised in different towns and villages. Many times, they were persecuted and often imprisoned. But at the same time, they knew that they were not alone. Jesus did not leave them alone. His spirit and his wisdom were always with them, especially in the most difficult moments of their mission.
Jesus did not promise his disciples easy lives - lives without problems and unfriendly people around. Not at all. What he promised was his presence, support and help in their moments of need. And Jesus kept his word. He was always with them.
Difficult moments are present in everybody’s lives. They were ages ago, and they will be in the future. But we should not be scared. We know that in these moments Jesus is with us, like he was two thousand years ago with his disciples. So, do not be afraid. Let us pray for the courage to be his witnesses and for wisdom to recognise Jesus’ presence in our hearts.
Have a blessed week,
Fr. Bogdan