33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time (Cycle B, Year I)

Community Word:  True disciples of Christ hunger & thirst for His righteousness.

Theme:    We hunger & thirst for His righteousness when we are vigilant in serving God.

Promise:    “You will show me the path to life, fullness of joys in your presence.” (Ps 16:11)

Reflection:

Everything in this world has an end.  And, as the saying goes, only death and taxes are certain.  Many of us, while aware that death is inevitable, are uncomfortable talking about it.  There is much in life that we love and cling to, and would rather not face up to death until we absolutely have to. Perhaps death is also something we fear, and if we had a choice, would rather postpone, preferring to prolong life and avoid all thoughts about the end of our earthly existence.

The readings this Sunday exhort us to be watchful. Jesus uses the metaphor of the fig tree – “When its branch becomes tender and sprouts leaves, you know that summer is near”.  Similarly he says, when you see the signs of tribulation,“The sun will grow dark, the moon will not give its light, the stars will fall out of the sky and the whole universe will be shaken,”  Then shall you see “the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory…”This statement is not meant to instill fear in our hearts, but to prepare us to accept and face the reality that everything in this world will end. No one knows when this will take place except the Father, but Jesus warns us to be vigilant, because, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my Word remains forever,” (Mk 13:31).

In this life, each one of us is assigned a task to accomplish.  And all of us are called to a specific purpose – to proclaim the Good News of our salvation in Christ Jesus.  Jesus urges us, His people, to be vigilant for His eventual return, and to remain focused on what we are called to do.  He wants all men to hear the Good News, and have the opportunity to join Him in His heavenly home.  He came to the world for that one purpose, to offer Himself as a living sacrifice, that all may gain entry into the Kingdom of God.  At the same time, Jesus is telling us that the task ahead is not an easy one, but can be accomplished through some effort on our part, in terms of sharing our time, talent and treasure with our neighbors.  As we share these and serve the needs of others in the name of Christ’s love, we share in His work of spreading the gospel and bringing people to God, that they too may receive eternal life.  The prophet Daniel in the First Reading gives explicit description of the end times: “All those who persevere, those whose names are written in God’s book will endure, and will be delivered.  Then there will be a separation, in the last day, as all will be resurrected, some to everlasting life and some to everlasting punishment.  And those who are wise – the people of God – shall shine as brightly as the sun’s brilliance, and those who turn many to righteousness will glitter like stars forever,” (Dn 12:1-3).

Today, we draw hope in the promise found in Psalm 16:11:  “You will show me the path to life, fullness of joys in your presence.” The real preparation for our eternal life with God is to live the present as thoughtfully, lovingly, and wisely as possible.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, give me the wisdom to walk the path of righteousness, that when I face death I will be ready and willing to accept the reality that I am just passing through this world.  My true destination is Your Kingdom.  But while in this world, guide me and teach me to be vigilant in observing and obeying your word, and generous in meeting your commandment to be compassionate and loving toward those people you send my way.  In Jesus name, Amen.

Reflection Questions:
1. Am I ready to face death when it comes? How prepared am I?
2. Do I live this life according to the purpose for which I was created?

This Week’s Daily Mass Reading Guide:
November 15, 2015 (Sun)    Dn 12:1-3/Ps 16:5,8,9-10,11/Heb 10:11-14,18/Mk 13:24-32
November 16, 2015 (Mon)    1Mc 1:10-15,41-43,54-57,62-64/Ps 119:53,61,134,150,155,158/Lk 18:35-43
November 17, 2015 (Tue)    2Mc 6:18-31/Ps 3:2-3,4-5,6-7/Lk 19:1-10
November 18, 2015 (Wed)   2 Mc 7:1,20-31/Ps 17:1,5-6,8,15/Lk 19:11-28
November 19, 2015 (Thu)    1Mc 2: 15-29/Ps 50:1-2,5-6,14-15/Lk 19:41-44
November 20, 2015 (Fri)      1Mc 4:36-37,52-59/1Chr 29:10,11,11-12,12/Lk 19:45-48
November 21, 2015 (Sat)     1Mc 6: 1-13/Ps 9:2-3,4,6,16,19/Lk 20:27-40

“Ignorance of the Bible is ignorance of Christ.  Read your Bible daily!”

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