Jesus promises us a life bigger than life itself

A reflection on the weekday readings, for Wednesday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time, by Father Perry.

By Father Perry D. Leiker, pastor

Well, here we are at the end of the liturgical church year, just three days away, and both readings today reflect end-times.

A king who worshiped false gods and had no respect for the sacred vessels taken from the sacred temple of God, and in drunken revelry paraded his disrespect for all to see, sees a vision — “handwriting on the wall” which is about to tell him his fate.

MENE, TEKEL, and PERES — it says it all.

His kingdom is about to fall apart, and he will lose everything.

And so it does. And two verses later (not actually in our text today), the Book of Daniel tells us,” That very night, Belshazzar, the Chaldean king, was slain.”

The end!

At least the end for him.

Is that the “writing on the wall” that comes about for anyone who lives a life of ignorance in abusive, and disobedient and ungodly ways?

And a book of teaching like the Book of Daniel is responding to that question, “Yes, of course!”

We see a perfect contrast between Belshazzar and Daniel.

One, a powerful man who “was found wanting” in his inadequate life.

And another who, “possessed brilliant knowledge and extraordinary wisdom, who could interpret dreams and solve difficulties.”

And this, too, was meant to teach us all about life and how to live it.

+ Jesus, too, speaks about end-times to the crowd.

He speaks about being, “seized and persecuted, handed over to synagogues and to prisons, led before kings and governors … handed over even by parents, brothers, relatives and friends.”

And this simply because you know and “use my name,” Jesus said.

Yes!

Jesus speaks about the end of time for his followers, as some of them would be “put to death.”

But Jesus encouraged them not to fear, and to trust that they would be, “given a wisdom in speaking,” and that although hated, “not a hair on their head would be destroyed,” and that by, “your perseverance you will secure your lives.”

Thus, the “handwriting on the wall” for them would be just what the words of the Gospel acclamation today, “Remain faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.”

That is Jesus’ promise, and that is our fate. That is a life bigger than life. That is the life for those who, “give glory and eternal praise to him.”

Alleluia!

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Father Perry Dean Leiker is the 13th pastor of St. Bernard Catholic Church. Reach him at (323) 255-6142. Email Father Perry at pleiker@stbernard-church.com.