Read Rev. 14:14-19, Ps. 96:10-13, Luke 21:5-11
“Use your sickle and reap, for the hour to reap has come, because the harvest of the earth is fully ripe.” (Revelation 14:15)
The book of Ecclesiastes teaches us: “For everything, there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1-2). Using very graphic images, John describes the end of the world in terms of harvest; the time to pluck up what has been planted.
Some people behave as if there would be no end to their lives. I think the forgetfulness of judgement can be defined as the greatest act of foolishness. In today’s Gospel passage, people were admiring the temple in all its beauty and grandeur but Jesus dropped a bombshell: “As for these things that you see, the days will come when not one stone will be left upon another; all will be thrown down.” (Luke 21:6)
The fact that things change and changes happen rather quickly is life’s constant reminder that nothing is permanent. Even the very air that we breathe is not permanent. Judgement day must come.
On that day, God will send his angels on a mission of harvest like the Landowner who planted a vineyard, put a fence around it, dug a wine press in it, built a watchtower and leased it to tenants. (Cf. Matthew 21:33). The question is: “When that time comes, what kind of fruits will be found in me?”
You may wonder: “Why do we have to face judgement at all?” Simply put, there is no farmer who plants without coming back to reap the fruits of what he has planted. The only reason we shall face judgment is that God knows He has put so much good in us.
Of course, no two people shall face the same judgement; we shall each give an account of what was given to us. As Jesus remarked: “From everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required; and from the one to whom much has been entrusted, even more, will be demanded.” (Luke 12:48)
There is so much good inside of you. If you search deep enough, you will discover that you are more than capable of goodness. As one author noted, it is our light, not our darkness that frightens us.
Finally, Jesus warns us today against procrastination. Do not be concerned about when judgement would happen rather be concerned about being prepared. Jesus said that there would be wars, famines, plagues, dreadful portents, great signs from heaven, earthquakes, and so on. “These things must take place first, but the end will not follow immediately.” (Luke 21:9).
Let us pray: Heavenly Father, may my life yield a great harvest. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Saint Cecilia, Virgin, Martyr. Bible Study: Rev. 14:14-19, Ps. 96:10-13, Luke 21:5-11)
© Rev. Fr. Evaristus Abu