A reflection on the daily readings, for Thursday of the Fourth Week of Advent, by Father Perry.
+ There is a phrase that says: “the calm before the storm.”
It is also referred to as a “lull” or a period of “little activity” or even “peace.”
But the phrase also implies that following that calm can come a period of “intense activity” or even “trouble” or “panic.”
The book of Malachi speaks of the storm about to come to a people who have not paid attention to God or all that God was calling them to in their lives.
And so it is prophesied that the “Lord is coming” and the question is asked: “Who can endure the day of his coming?”
For the “day of his coming” could be referred to as “a reckoning.”
It’s time to “pay the piper.” “What have you done?” “Who have you become?”
+ The psalmist warns: “Lift up your heads and see; your redemption is at hand.”
On the one hand, it sounds again like an angry God who won’t put up with slackers, and punishment is the only way.
It also sounds like the tired mom who finally shouts at her weary and out of control kids — “you wait until your father gets home!”
+ But once again, we might — and I would say in a more mature faith and one that admits responsibility for the irresponsibility — that there are always consequences for one’s actions or lack of action.
When one turns away from God in their life, then can’t find God in their life, well, what do you expect? Consequences!
But God seems to go to a lot of trouble for his people.
He sends John to a barren wife. He makes of John an amazing spiritual guide who “prepares the way for the Lord.”
There is mystery and wonder even around the name that John receives, and Zechariahtestifies to what and who his son will be.
God is clearly at work here!
+ Is it possible that God works the same with and within us?
Does our closeness or distance from God matter? Really?
Are these stories meant to open our minds and hearts to a stimulating and spiritually-active relationship with our God — the God of all, the God of the universe, the God that is consequentially calling us every moment of our lives?
Indeed, this God can, therefore, and surely wants to, transform totally.
One sign of that might be: “turning the hearts of fathers (and mothers) to their children, and the hearts of their children to their fathers (and mothers).”
What a wonder!
Even stale relationships can “come alive” again.
Perhaps it is “the calm” after the storm!
Father Perry D. Leiker is the 13th pastor of St. Bernard Catholic Church. Reach him at (323) 255-6142. Email Father Perry at pleiker@stbernard-church.com. Follow Father Perry on Twitter: @MrDeano76.
