Tuesday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time
Paul seems to be in a low spot in his life as he writes today’s first reading, but he doesn’t let it get him down. Instead, he makes his ‘present sufferings’ into an encouraging sign. Isn’t that the gospel in action? This is how Christ works in the world; the present challenges are a sign that something better is coming. It is the Eucharistic shape of life for us Christians. It is the child waiting for parents to agree that he is ‘old enough’ for the next privilege or responsibility. It is the student studying diligently for a test, knowing it brings her one step closer to graduation. It is the young family nervous about how their next childbirth will change the family dynamic. It is the person with a terminal illness, waiting for her birth into eternal life. It is Jesus living and dying for us, knowing that resurrection and ascension to Heaven are coming.
As the Psalmist declares today, the Lord has worked marvels for us! Christ has conquered evil, sin, suffering, and death. With Christ, we can walk through our sufferings and see them for what they truly are: a sign that something far better is coming. It is true in little and big ways. As a little example, just this weekend at a wedding, I was bummed that I couldn’t spend more time dancing with my wife because she in a low-energy time of pregnancy. But missing a few dances is just a sign of a whole new wiggling, dancing life that is growing in her! The saints, and especially martyrs, provide a big example of the suffering which God turns into great blessings for all the faithful. When something bad is happening to a Christian, it is a sign that something better is coming.
As Christ teaches in the gospel, a little bit of ‘Kingdom’ goes a long way. A little yeast makes the whole loaf rise. A little bread given to Christ feeds a multitude. One life offered to God is transformed into a great blessing for many people. Today’s condition is nothing compared with the glory that Christ is preparing for us!
-Chris Nieport