St. Mary's Church Elizabeth, IL

11/23

"While you are waiting for these things, strive to be found by Christ at peace."

                                                                                                                                                2 Peter 3:14

Read Second Peter, chapter 3, verses 14 to 18

In the conclusion to his letter the authro emphasizes once again that what is at stake is not the specific nature of the end, namely the fiery destruction, nor the correct reading of the signs and events that immediately precede the end, namely, the presence of false teachers.  What matters, rather, is the manner of the waiting-Christians are to be at peace-and the holiness of those who wait-they are to be found without spot or blemish.  And what one knows about God is also important.  God's patience in delaying the end is for the purpose of salvation (verses 14-15).

     The earlier efforts of the author to establish the connection of his teaching to that of the apostolic age become more explicit here (verse 15; see 1:16-17, 3:2).  He affirms that what he is teaching is the same as what Paul had written to his community.  The reference to Paul calling him "our brother" gives further reason to trust the teaching of the writer of this letter.  That is, if one can claim unanimity of thses two-Peter and Paul-the reliability of the teaching should be unimpeachable.  To further bolster the reliability of Paul's writings, the author refers to them in the same way he refers to Scripture.  The wisdom given to Paul (verse 15), since it gives rise to Scripture, can be understood as wisdom coming from a divine source.

     One last time the author plays on the dualities of the instability of the ignorant and the stability of the knowledgeable.  This a reminder to the audience again to be alert and to grow in knowledge.  The final word is that glory belongs to Christ in every time (verse 18).

For Reflection:  How do I strive for peace in my life and in my dealings with others?  Do I try to grow in knowledge or do I caling stubbornly to my opinions?

Prayer Starter;  Loving God, give me the grace to wait in patience and peace for your coming in mystery into my life.  Help me continue to grow in knowledge, and may I use that knowledge for the glory of Christ.

Fr. Joachim