33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time (Cycle B, Year I)
Community Word: Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, reigns in the heart of those who are faithful to Him.
Theme: Those who are faithful to Christ the King vigilantly prepare for His coming.
Promise: “You will show me the path to life, fullness of joys in your presence, the delights at your right hand forever. (Ps 16:11)
Reflection:
The Gospel depicts a frightening scenario at the end of time. Imagine: “the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from the sky and the powers in the heavens will be shaken,” (Mk 13:24-25). It may seem scary, but in reality it is a joyous occasion because finally, we “will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory…” (Mk 13:26).
This Sunday’s reading is a fitting reminder to all of us as we approach the end of the Church’s liturgical year. It is a challenge for us to be ready for that unpredictable day, “but of that day or hour, no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father,” (Mk 13:32). Should we fear the end of time? Our loving God, in His word, tells us not to be afraid. Instead, He admonishes us to be vigilant and to continue to trust that He will never forsake us. There are times when we experience problems which seem to be very unbearable that we feel hopeless, as if it is the end of our world. Remember how God in His goodness and love, always manifest His presence and refuge? God is always in control no matter what the situation is. He is completely in charge. We should never doubt, but instead we should firmly hold unto Him.
In the Book of Daniel it is written, “Those who lead the many to justice shall be like the stars forever” (12:3). And this leads us to our theme for this week – Those who are faithful to Christ the King, vigilantly prepare for His coming.
Today’s Gospel is a message of hope. We know that one thing is certain; the end of time will come. We are just pilgrim people and our time here on earth is finite. We must remember that everything in this world is temporary and nothing lasts forever. All our precious possessions will be left in this world when our time comes, so also all our pains and sufferings here on earth. We are called to strengthen our relationship with the Lord and that we should strive for the things that lasts eternally. Our life on earth must be spent as a faith journey, following everything that our Lord Jesus Christ teaches us. This is the way to be vigilant, preparing for that time when all of us will be judged before Jesus if we have truly loved God and our neighbors.
We are blessed to be active members in the renewal Community as we are given the opportunity to vigilantly prepare for the coming of our Lord Jesus, King of the Universe. Our daily prayers (rosary, Divine Mercy chaplet and intercession), weekly Corporate Worships, word sharing, Holy Masses, reflections on His Word and service to our needy and poor brethren financially and spiritually – all these give us an assurance that, every day, we have the chance to be in the presence of our Holy God.
God’s promise in Psalm gives us the confidence: “…because You will not abandon my soul to the netherworld, nor will You suffer your faithful one to undergo corruption. You will show me the path to life, fullness of joys in your presence, the delights at your tight hand forever,” (Ps 16:10-11).
Prayer
We are grateful Lord for leading us to our beloved community. It is such a joy and a delight to be in communion with You daily. It gives us peace of mind, joy in our hearts and assurance that you are always by our side. We praise You our God and thank You for Your daily and unending guidance and inspiration. We love You our dearest Lord. Amen.
Our Blessed Mother and St. Joseph, bring us closer to your Son Jesus. Amen
Reflection Questions:
- In whom do I anchor my life and find hope for eternal salvation?
- Do I live this life according to the purpose for which I was created? How prepared am I to face death when it comes?
This Week’s Daily Mass Reading Guide:
November 14, 2021 (Sun) – Dn 12:1-3/ Ps 16:5, 8, 9-10, 11/ Heb 10:11-14, 18/ Mk 13:24-32
November 15, 2021 (Mon) – 1Mc 1:10-15, 41-43, 54-57, 62-64/ Ps 119:53, 61,134,150,155,158/Lk 18:35-43
November 16, 2021 (Tue) – 2Mc 6:18-31/ Ps 3:2-3, 4-5, 6-7/ Lk 19:1-10
November 17, 2021 (Wed) – 2 Mc 7:1, 20-31/ Ps 17:1, 5-6, 8, 15/ Lk 19:11-28
November 18, 2021 (Thurs) – 1Mc 2: 15-29/ Ps 50:1-2, 5-6, 14-15/ Lk 19:41-44
November 19, 2021 (Fri) – 1Mc 4:36-37, 52-59/ 1Chr 29:10,11-12/ Lk 19:45-48
November 20, 2021 (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!”
