Reflection: 
Death is the one thing in life that is certain.  Yet, it is rarely given much thought, or spoken of, as if it is not a reality that one faces every moment of the day.  Why?

Perhaps we love life so much, we prefer not to face the fact that, just as it has a beginning, life has an end.  Or perhaps we fear what lies ahead, what is unknown.  Or maybe, it simply seems unreal, until it strikes.

The Readings for this Sunday tell us to be alert, for we do not know the hour of Jesus’ coming.  It speaks of end time that is sure to come. It is not meant to scare us, but rather, to encourage us to face reality. Jesus speaks of it in this passage from the Gospel of Mark.  He uses the metaphor of the fig tree which, when the buds become tender and the leaves begin to sprout, foretells that summer is near.  It is a clear sign of a change in season. Jesus wants us to be aware of the signs, the events, the fearful things that will transpire, that signal the second coming of Christ.  As to when these events will take place, no one knows but the Father.  So Jesus is telling us to be watchful at all times and heed His call to obey His every Word, because “heaven and earth will pass away but My Word remains forever.” (Mk 13:31).

Each one of us is assigned a task to accomplish in this life. 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 not to lose focus in doing 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 abode.  He came to the world for that one purpose, to offer Himself as a living sacrifice, that all may have access to 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 sacrifice on our part, in terms of our time, talent and treasure.  As we share these with others in need in the name and in the light of Christ’s love, we share in His work to bring people to God, to believe in the Gospel and avoid eternal death.  The prophet Daniel in the First Reading gives explicit description of the end times. “There will be a great tribulation where Israel will suffer as never before. But a mighty angelic prince, Michael the Archangel, will stand guard to protect Israel.  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)

Let Psalm 16 encourage us, like David who rejoices in the Lord and puts his confidence in Him because, like us, he has experienced the Lord’s blessings, protection and provisions for him.  “The Lord himself is my inheritance, my prize; he is my food and drink, my highest joy!…I will bless the Lord at all times who counsels me…heart body and soul are filled with joy.  For you will not leave me among the dead; you will not allow your beloved one to rot in the grave…”  This Psalm also speaks of Jesus’ relationship with God the Father, His reliance on the Father as a son, His resurrection and reign with the Father.  This Psalm is what we ought to picture ourselves to be, like David, rejoicing in the Lord at all times and trusting in His infinite care, as we work in His vineyard.  Our reward is the promise of eternal life.

Prayer:
Lord, help me to see death as it really is and not to be afraid of it, evading its reality.  Instead, help me to be grateful for the life You have given me, and to be faithful to the work to which You call me.  Help me to be vigilant, to trust in You more, like David who always rejoiced in Your presence, relying on Your provisions, for You are my tower of strength, my source of all good things. And I want to be with You eternally in heaven. I pray in Your name, Lord Jesus. Amen.

Reflection Question:
1.    What preoccupies my thoughts / mind during the day and how do these affect my life as a renewed Catholic?
2.    Have I thought of death as something that is real and could happen to me anytime?  Am I ready to meet Jesus?
3.    Do the things I do at present assure me of eternal life with God?

This Week’s Daily Mass Reading Guide:
November 18, 2012 (Sun)    Dn 12:1-3/ Ps 16:5,8-11/ Heb 10:11-14/ Mk 13:24-32
November 19, 2012 (Mon)   Rv 1:1-4; 2:1-5/ Ps 1:1-4,6/ Lk 18:35-43
November 20, 2012 (Tues)  Rv 3:1-6, 4-22/ Ps 15:2-5/ Lk 19:1-10
November 21, 2012 (Wed)  Rv 4:1-11/ Ps 150:1-6/ Lk 19:11-28
November 22, 2012 (Thur)  Rv 5:1-10/ Ps 149:1-6,9/ Lk 19:41-44
November 23, 2012 (Fri)     Rv 10:8-11/ Ps 119:14,24,72,103,111,131/ Lk 14-:45-48
November 24, 2012 (Sat)   Rv 11:14-12/ Ps 144:1,2,9,10/ Lk 20:27-40

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