Word to the Wise
Saturday, November 19, 2016 - Saturday in the 33th Week in Ordinary Time
[Rev 11:4-12 and Luke 20:27-40]SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2016. SATURDAY IN THE THIRTY-THIRD WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME [Revelation 11:4-12 and Luke 20:27-40] "Then they heard a loud voice from heaven say to them, "Come up here." So they went up to heaven in a cloud as their enemies looked on." [Revelation] The vivid images of the olive trees and the lampstands and all that follows are an example of the principal message. Of the Book of Revelation, that perseverance in the face of persecution will be rewarded. I love the words in the line that say: "Come up here." As I write this, I am on the last day of preaching a retreat for mostly (but not all) retired Dominican sisters. Many of them are in advanced age and failing health. Their witness of faith is powerful even if they are not ministering in the public arena any more. The "persecution" they endure is the inevitable decline in health that accompanies growing older. Their many prayers for others become their principal apostolate. The theme of the retreat is: "What do you seek? God's mercy and yours." These lines are spoken at vow profession ceremonies in our order. They hope to hear those words spoken today in the Book of Revelation: "Come up here." So do I! AMEN