With so many people being swept away by floods, earthquakes, fires and famine, we are reminded that all things on earth are passing and temporary.
We have to ensure that we are awake and ready when our time comes to face the righteous merciful Judge. That means that not only our bodies have to be fed and taken care of, but especially my soul and spirit.
One hundred and seventy thousand people die every day on this earth. Thus, Jesus gives us good warning as well as all the prophets. In John 5:14 Jesus says to the man healed physically: “See, you are well. Sin no more, that nothing worse may happen to you.” Without repentance and spiritual healing, nourishment and growth, you are in a much worse condition.
When Jesus was asked about the disasters happening in His time, he responded in Luke 13:1-5: “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because the suffered in this way? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will perish.”
Your spirit may be anorexic, paralyzed, imprisoned, slumbering, or dead. Which is a far worse eternal condition.
The prophet Ezekiel shows us how to save our souls, as we confront iniquity and injustice, and lovelessness. As we have begun the Season of Care for Creation, we are reminded that we have to strive to be in a loving righteous relationship with all of creation, our neighbour, and ourselves. When someone hurts us, Jesus gives us the process we have to go through to resolve the difficulty.
And if someone refuses that process and even accuses us without two or three witnesses, then they must be to us as a tax collector or a pagan. Still loved from a distance then and prayed for and blessed by us. Placed in the hands of God, who alone is the judge. We need not endlessly burden ourselves. We give it to the Lord.
Ultimately, St Paul reminds us that we come from infinite divine love, and are returning to that source. At Any time! So:
“Owe no one anything, except to love one another, [love creation]. For he who loves has fulfilled the Law…. Love does no wrong to a neighbour; therefore love is the fulfilling of the Law.”
Love does no wrong to self, or to all creation, and all creatures of God. As we look forward to October 4th during the next few weeks, we remember the great Saint Francis, who exemplified all that we have reflected upon. His death 800 years ago is thus a transition to God, a deathless death, in the Risen Christ, in whom all creation is transformed and united for God’s plan of salvation now fully revealed and slowly fulfilled and realized. The pains of this world are birthpangs of the new creation we are being made part of.
Indeed it is the Lord who forgives all your sins, who heals every one of your ills, who redeems your life from the grave, and crowns you with mercy and compassion.