33rd Sunday of the Year – B
Daniel 12: 1-3; Psalm 15; Heb. 10: 11-14; Mark 13: 24-32
Read: In those days Jesus said to his disciples: “After the time of distress, the sun will be darkened, the moon will lose its brightness, the stars will come falling down from heaven, and the powers in the heaven will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory. Then too he will send the angels to gather his chosen from the four winds, from the ends of the world to the ends of heaven. Take the fig tree as a parable; as soon as its twigs grow supple and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. Thus, when you see these things happening, you know that he is near, at the very gates. I tell you solemnly, before this generation has passed away all these things will have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. But as for that day and the hour nobody knows it, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son; no one but the Father.”
Reflect: The injustices that happen in this world, wars, economic and social problems, climate changes …. create concern and unhappiness. Nothing is certain in this world nowadays. In the face of this uncertainty, some fare very well, others lose heart and think that the end of everything is near, even faith. How are we going to involve ourselves in the world’s history, with unhappiness and fear, or with commitment and hope? Jesus taught us how we should look at these realities: “When these things begin to take place, stand erect, hold your heads high, because your liberation is at hand.” (Luke 21:28) In all that happens around him, when “the whole creation has been groaning in labour” (Romans 8:22), the Christian should prepare himself for a happening of joy: the birth of a new humanity. The world’s destiny is in God’s hands, therefore let us look upwards.
Pray: You of Lord do not leave me amongst the dead, you do not abandon me to the grave. (Psalm 15) Come, Jesus Lord.
Act: “Come Jesus Lord” is a powerful prayer. Try to pray this regularly and you can expect to have it heard with many opportunities to serve Jesus through many persons and in many places. In this manner you will be playing your part in preparing for Jesus’ second coming and to broaden his Kingdom on this earth.