The 2nd reading of this Sunday speaks of people and events long gone (Hebrew 11:1-2,8-19).
The people involved and their experiences may seem distant and strange to us and yet…
Yet, what is described in this text has a message that is very relevant to us in our own time.
Those people are often referred to as ‘our ancestors in the faith’.
They saw themselves as “strangers and nomads on earth.”
What does this really mean?
The text goes on to explain what the words express: 
“People who use such terms about themselves make it quite plain that they are in search of their real homeland.”
If we think about it, is this not what we, ourselves, are meant to be: strangers and nomads?
Is our life on this planet not meant to be a search for another place –
“the place founded for us by God », as the text says.
Not being satisfied, not being engrossed in what is available, but longing for something else…
Looking, searching, trying to find…
Not being totally absorbed in the present, but being aware that there is more awaiting us…
Satisfying experiences, fulfilling achievements, rewarding adventures –
all this can be gratifying but… this is not the full purpose of our existence on this earth.
There is MORE – deeper knowledge, greater fulfilment, more intense happiness.
MORE – a more authentic life, a closer relationship with the God who made us.
We do not see this, but we believe that this is what is waiting for us.
And, the first lines of the reading tell us:
“Faith is confidence in what we hope for
and assurance about what we do not see.”
Note: Another reflection is available on a different theme in French at: https://image-i-nations.com/19e-dimanche-de-lannee-c-2022/
