HOMILY WEEK 34 02 – Year II
Ferial – Carpe Diem
(Rev 14:14-19; Ps 96; Lk 21:5-11)
****************************************************
A message offered us by the movie Dead Poet’s Society is Carpe Diem – to grasp the day, to make the most of our time each day.
Our liturgy today in this final week of ordinary time encourages us to make all our time here on earth quality time.
Occasionally, we hear of “end times” scenarios which seem to stir up a certain excitement, buying of provisions, building of bunkers, etc. Our faith can free us from any such concern with its invitation to always be ready for the end times by living within the kingdom of God each day.
Richard Rohr OFM, spiritual writer and speaker, offers us a very helpful insight into making the most of our activities – “The way we do anything is the way we do everything.” So, changing one thing in our lives can influence everything else we do, and help us to better “Carpe Diem.”
Inner court of the temple
Jesus inaugurated his kingdom when he came on earth, and now asks us to work together to build a better world, in whatever area he is calling us to do that. He is the new temple of God in this world, and we, in him, are also that new temple, called to live a new way of life.
God doesn’t want us to live in fear. God wants us to remember that he is not only just but merciful as well. As long as we stay close to the Lord, we have no reason to be afraid. Instead, we should see Jesus’ coming as a sign of joy and the promise of our final, glorious rescue. Despite the darkness around us, we can place our hope in him and look forward to the reign of God when all things will be put right.
Celebrating the Eucharist, our greatest prayer and our one great act of fidelity, as Ron Rolheiser writes, is truly living out Carpe Diem, making great use of our time.
So remember, Carpe Diem – let us strive to make all our time quality time living in, and building up the kingdom of God.
