The text of the 2nd reading of this Sunday could be addressed to us, and it is!
The words of Paul to the Thessalonians seem to take on a new meaning in this period of pandemic (1 Th.5:1-6).
“While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly.”
Unfortunately, there are still among us many people who refuse to acknowledge the danger of the virus that is threatening our health and our lives.
They like to believe that all the talk about the situation is only that: talk.
They pretend they are safe; they remain unaware that they might be the next victims…
Paul’s letter was not referring precisely to our own situation, it is true.
But it has a message that is valid for everyone of us.
I am not thinking especially of the Coronavirus, but of so many other threatening agents – threatening our life as Christians…
- the virus of selfishness where all decisions are in view of ‘me, myself, and I’…
- the virus of pride looking down on so many people judged not as good as one pretends to be…
- the virus of injustice where decisions are taken in view of what will achieve one’s goals…
- the virus of resentment which feeds a desire for revenge…
- the virus of indifference to important issues thinking only of what is gratifying for oneself…
- the virus of chronic dissatisfaction with life while forgetting all the blessings received from God…
And you may add a few of your own findings…
They are life-threatening, they jeopardize the fullness of living that Jesus wants for us.
We need to wake up and not allow ourselves to be lulled into a false sense of security.
Strange how ‘old’ parables can have a very ‘modern’ meaning!
Note: Another reflection on a different theme in French can be found at: https://image-i-nations.com/33e-dimanche-de-lannee-a-2020/