Today’s reading from Luke’s gospel could have been taken from current news – local, national or international.  Hundreds of thousands of men, women and children are barely surviving in the midst of international wars, civil uprisings, genocides, earthquakes, fires, floods, famines and plagues.  The plight of so many is inconceivable. Some days worldwide there appears to be little regard for the hungry, homeless, widows, children, orphans and migrants. Many would rather fight than forgive; take up arms than to give alms. Are these days “end times”?  At times, it may feel that way.  Hope, faith and trust in God are being shaken by fear, greed, hate and discontent. Yet, in the darkness there is the light of compassion. 

There is more, much more. Those words can be unsettling, disconcerting, but let’s listen to what Jesus says: “Do not be afraid” “Come follow Me”, “I am the way, the truth and the life” “Come to Me all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest”.  The beautiful encouraging words in the Beatitudes: “Blessed are you – individually and as a community. Those who bring words and gestures of compassion as well as the tangibles of food, shelter and medicine. We are a blessed community – all of us.  All the “we’s” and the “them’s”.  We may speak and hear words of spiteful condemnation. However, Jesus speaks only words loving encouragement to each one of us.  Our God, our Creator and Redeemer of all, has built his tent among us, walks with us and will abide with us always. 

Alleluia, alleluia,