We have just finished another whirlwind presidential campaign and election. While it was certainly one for the books, what was the same as every other campaign is that the candidates made a whole lot of promises. Each claimed that their time in office would guarantee all kinds of changes and improvements for the everyday American. But we all know that promises may win elections but fulfilling those promises is another story. Already we hear about softening of stances and amending those predictions.
    Our scripture readings today speak to us of promises as well. Next weekend we will be celebrating the Feast of Christ the King, the final Sunday in our liturgical year. And as the year ends, we traditionally hear readings about the end of time and what will come after it. Today’s first reading from Malachi the Prophet tells the people that the end of time will come. For those who are proud and evildoers, they will end in a blazing holocaust but the righteous will rise to new life. And in the gospel reading Jesus tells the people that the beautiful Temple which they so admire for its costly stones and votive offerings will be destroyed and nothing will be left standing. HE is of course referring not only to the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem but also to the end of all time. But He says perseverance will secure your lives.
    From the very beginning of the scriptures God makes promises to His people. HE promises Adam and Eve that HE will one day send a savior. HE promises Abraham innumerable descendants. He calls Moses to lead His people and promises them a new homeland. Throughout the whole of the Old Testament we hear God making promises to His people.
    And one of the enduring characteristics of God is that he KEEPS every one of those promises. No backtracking, no amending, no political pressure to do otherwise. God indeed sent us a Savior and that savior rose from the dead to guarantee that we would rise with Him to eternal life.
    And so as we bring this liturgical year to an end, we realize that we are a people of God filled with hope. That no matter what our politicians bring our way, that no matter what difficulties come along, no matter what our future may hold, God promises that not a hair of our heads will be destroyed. God will hold us in the palm of His hand because we His people are more important to Him and everything else.