In
this morning's Gospel we hear about Jesus coming to judge the living and the
dead. But we need to know that his judgment will not be a judgment of
vindictiveness, but a judgment of truth. Jesus is the truth. He knows us
through and through: all the choices we have made for good or for bad; all the
circumstances that influenced our decisions; all our efforts or lack of them to
turn to his mercy. We already anticipate his judgment in the Sacrament of
Confession when in his presence truth speaks to Truth. But when his truth meets
our truth, judgment reveals mercy. Mercy is a close ally of truth, and when
they come together, they give birth to hope. And hope does not disappoint us –
it is the light of the Lord.
Isaiah
has that wonderful saying, “They shall beat their swords into plowshares and
their spears into pruning hooks….” Our monastic life of vigils, fasting,
silence, and especially the common life is designed to beat our swords – that
is, our passions – into plowshares so that peace may be sown among us. Our goal
is perfect charity, a charity that reaches out to those who might be left behind.
The Gospel speaks of two men in the field and two women grinding at the mill.
Let us not refuse to join those in the field or those grinding away at life’s
daily tasks. May our charity become like bands of love, reaching out to make
sure no one is left behind. This is what the Lord wants of us.
Our salvation is
nearer now than when we first believed. The Lord is near, especially in the
Holy Eucharist. As we begin a new liturgical year, let us set out, following
the Spirit’s lead, and walk in the light of the Lord – believing and hoping and
loving – reflecting the light of Christ so that his salvation may reach to the
ends of the earth.