Heb 10:32-39 Remember the days past when, after you had been enlightened, you endured a great contest of suffering. At times you were publicly exposed to abuse and affliction; at other times you associated yourselves with those so treated. You even joined in the sufferings of those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, knowing that you had a better and lasting possession. Therefore, do not throw away your confidence; it will have great recompense. You need endurance to do the will of God and receive what he has promised. For, after just a brief moment, he who is to come shall come; he shall not delay. But my just one shall live by faith, and if he draws back I take no pleasure in him. We are not among those who draw back and perish, but among those who have faith and will possess life. This passage was one of the readings at Holy Mass this past week and has deeply pierced my heart. The enlightenment of which it speaks is our Baptism, when the light of faith first flooded each of our souls. Though only in seed form within the soul of a babe, it is bright with the light of God's presence. On another level, the enlightenment spoke to me of the Illumination to come. Though it will be an incalculable blessing, each of us will need great endurance. My mind is on preparation, now. Once it occurs, much of life's grey areas will vanish, and we will have the demands of great servitude placed on our shoulders. Many who return to the Faith will need encouragement and formation. Remember the battle will be fierce; even though Satan will be exposed, his army will attempt a counteroffensive, I'm sure. May we not draw back, but advance in faith and love when that time comes. Safe in the Hearts of Jesus and Mary!
Terry, I guess the Spirit was saying the same thing to both of us because I was also going to post on this. In Wednesday’s reading from Hebrews: The Holy Spirit also testifies to us, for after saying: This is the covenant I will establish with them after those days, says the Lord: “I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them upon their minds,” The gift of the Spirit, faith, we receive at Baptism. This also reminded me of the Illumination to come. In Wednesday’s Gospel, they may look and see but not perceive, and hear and listen but not understand, in order that they may not be converted and be forgiven.” Jesus’ words apply to people without the eyes and ears of faith of every time, and they seem especially applicable to the seculars of our time. So many are blind to how abortion and practicing homosexuality go against God’s law. After the Illumination, many will be able to see. And in Thursday’s Gospel, these words also can apply to the Illumination: For there is nothing hidden except to be made visible; nothing is secret except to come to light. And in today’s Gospel, we can apply Jesus’ words to any fear or anxiety we may have about the prophesized Warning: “Why are you terrified? Do you not yet have faith?” Darrell
