Leaves May Fall But God's Words Will Remain

Friday of the Thirty-Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

Gospel of Luke 21:29-33


"Consider the fig tree and all the other trees.  When their buds burst open, you see for yourselves and know that summer is now near; in the same way, when you see these things happening, know that the Kingdom of God is near.........Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away."


Autumn is my favorite time of the year.  The air is crisp and comfortable.  The heat of Texas' scorching Summer cools down which is a welcomed relief!  Usually our tree foliage isn't as dramatic as New England.  However, in 2013 the trees are more beautifully colored than usual.  Not just drab browns and yellows but brilliant reds and oranges.  (I attribute this to our rainy Spring and Summer.) The leaves  hang on the trees a little longer even though we've hit freezing temps.  I don't remember a Fall so spectacular.  I can clearly see God's handiwork in creating Mother Nature and all of her colorful surprises.

The leaves may fall off the trees and soon die, but we know God's words will never die!  Just think of the wonderful bible stories available centuries after they were written.  Think of the Ten Commandments  Moses handed down to the Israelites which remain a central focus in the examination of our consciences.  What about the wonderful Psalms woven into hymns, poems, and literature?  I love the religious themes portrayed in beautiful works of sacred art.  Clearly God's words, as expressed through his divine authors and artists, live and breathe within us. They provide us with inspiration, courage, and wisdom that's indescribable.  

God's words interact with each of us on a personal and intimate level.  Each time I read or hear a familiar bible passage, the Holy Spirit  prompts me to interpret it slightly differently. God's words are constantly evolving, adapting to our life experiences.  A spiritual presence with us at all times!

I encourage the faithful to read the bible regularly, especially the Mass readings of the day.  Then write a few thoughts in a prayer journal.  Personally, I've been tremendously blessed by writing daily meditations on this online blog.  Some people may not be as comfortable sharing thoughts on the global Internet which is okay.  The act of writing down our own thoughts is greatly beneficial to our emotional well-being.  I absolutely love to write and hope to write a book someday if it's God's will.  For now I will keep typing away on this blog using the Holy Scripture as a guide.  

Let's take a few minutes out of the "Black Friday" shopping madness and spend time with the sacred scripture.  God's words will always remain even after the latest techno gadget becomes obsolete or the latest fashion craze goes out of style!

-J.