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Nov. 25th - sooner or later ...

Fr. Michael MachacekNativity of Our LordNovember 25, 2022
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today's readings are Rev. 20: 1-4, 11-15 and 21:1-2; Psalm 84 and Lk. 21: 29-33

"And the dead were judged according to their works, as recorded in the books ".

Today's passage is a is a full of strong images, some daunting, some of glory, such as the final vision of this passage, the vision of the new Jerusalem. 

The vision I would like to reflect on is found in verses 11-15.  The dead are judged, with their deeds already having been recorded. Those whose names are not found in the book of life are thrown into a lake of fire for eternity.  

A basic truth of our faith is that we all are going to be judged by our God, on what we have done, and not done (see the parable of the talents and the parable of the sheep and goats in Matthew 25).  Fortunately, the sacrament of reconciliation helps us greatly to make up for our sins.  But so many, sadly, never take advantage of this sacrament.  And as this vision shows, we are going to be held accountable.    

Not a comfortable message today.  But a message that is true. And we need to be reminded of it every once in a while.  

It is interesting how some songs capture a message - like how Johnny Cash's song God's Gonna Cut You Down relates to today's reading.  The link for the video of this song, which was recorded by Mr. Cash near the end of his life, is found below.  Fascinatingly, it features a number of musicians and Hollywood actors who willingly play a part in the video, but whose lifestyles could be the subject of the message of this song. To open the link, you may have to "right-click" the link and then click on "open link in new tab"

Johnny Cash - God's Gonna Cut You Down (Official Music Video) - YouTube