Today in Mass the Father gave a sermon about the end of days, and how people are afraid of death, instead of living their lives to the fullest each and every day. It was pretty awesome.
My son Michael has been totally freaked out this last week because a kid at school told him about the Mayan calendar and that the world was going to end on December 21. Needless to say, when our Priest began discussing the end of days he reached for my hand and and squeezed. He might have even shut his eyes tight waiting for the bad news.
Except there was none. The message was not about death or the end of this world, which let’s face it, none of us can say with absolute certainty when-if ever life as we know it will end. But rather about life and the amazing gift we have been given. He really understood the message in a way I think only a child can. To live each and every day like it was your first, your last, and your only day here on earth. Eat the chocolate cake for breakfast. Jump into that pile of freshly raked leaves, and dance in the rain. For no other reason than it is fun and it makes your soul rejoice. A child is often times unburdened by their mortality-though my son seems to understand that there is a circle to our lives, in a way that is much more grown up than he should. I suppose he does have an old soul after all.
I myself found the readings hit “home” for me to, not because I fear the end of time, but because they seemed to fit in so perfectly with what I’m writing right now.
If you care to read the Bible readings for today’s Mass they were Daniel 12: 1-3 and Mark 13: 24-32
I wouldn’t be surprised if these readings weren’t in part quoted some where in my MS too.
Love & Life,
nicōle
photo: living-loudly.tumblr.com
Nicole Olea’s love language is communication. She does this best using her keyboard as a freelance copywriter and editor. Creative and resilient with high-level experience in social media management, content creation, and eCommerce marketing, Nicole Olea was a professional volunteer, sharing her skills with various non-profit organizations who paid her in hugs. For the last 20 years, she’s lived a quasi-nomadic life, moving across the country and the Atlantic with her active-duty husband and their three kids. She’s awkwardly stumbling toward her goal of becoming a saint. She’s got God-sized dreams and wants you to have them too!
This is so true!
It’s a great way to live. Your son does sound like he’s an old soul.
It’s a good reminder for everyone, especially me. I’m one to just let life pass me by because of fear.