Jesus is the sun of justice that enlightens us who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death.

The Ukrainians suffer very much due to the war.  And life will be harder still for millions.  For they are plunged into the cold and the dark; thanks to the sun for heat and light.  For a third of the energy infrastructures have been attacked and destroyed.

But the Ukrainians, just like us, thank our Father in heaven most of all.  He makes his sun rise on the bad and the good.  He, of course, hears the cries of those who suffer.  Hence, he helps those whom enemy forces press hard and bring down.  He is their strength, their might and their savior; he crushes wars.  He makes all things work for the good of those who love him.

Sun of justice

And we need the sun of justice so it warms those who are cold and do not care.  For truth no longer matters to not a few folks.

We need the sun, too, so that it may enlighten those who are in darkness.  For greed blinds many; they cannot see the causes of wars nor distinguish good from evil.

We need Jesus, yes, to remind us that things human do not last.  To warn us, too, that places that do not welcome God’s kingdom condemn themselves to ruin.

And so that no one may fool us “in times of crisis, turmoil and confusion.”  For in such times, strange teachings sweep us away more easily (see 2 Tim 4,3-4; Heb 13, 9).  We might even get to believe that to wait for the Lord means to be busy with minding others’ business.

But what is crucial is to stay true to him, to his Good News.  He will help us so that we do not panic, so we may be read rightly the signs of the times.  He will give us wisdom in speaking.  And with his help, it will be clear to us that hard times are a chance to give witness to him with perseverance.  We shall grasp, too, that the Good News is not a thing to be ashamed of; it is God’s power for salvation.

And, above all, Jesus will make us see that to do good is to invite conflict (SV.EN I:75).  But he will also let us know that wounding means healing.  That to lose life, for the cause of God’s kingdom and justice, is to gain it.  That to give up the body and to shed blood means life for him who does so, and for those who are in communion with him.

Lord Jesus, sun of justice, shed on us your rays that will heal our hearts wounded by hatred and jealousy.

13 November 2022
33rd Sunday in O.T. (C)
Mal 3,19-20a; 2 Thes 3, 7-12; Lk 21, 5-19