33rd Sunday of the Year (B)

Inspire in Us the Practice of Good (2011-2013):

Sunday Reflections for Liturgical Years 2011 (A), 2012 (B), and 2013 (C)

33rd Sunday of the Year (B), November 18, 2012

Liturgical readings


Daniel 12:1-3
Psalm 16
Hebrews 10:11-14, 18
Mark 13:24-32

"The heavens and the earth will pass away, but my words will not."


Jesus spoke of His coming again - "in the clouds, with great power and glory" (not anymore as child wrapped in swaddling clothes at Bethlehem). He spoke of the need to be watchful and vigilant, for no one knows that day or hour. Not the angels, not even Himself; only God the Father knows. Much destruction will occur during those days. The heavens and the earth will pass away. But the Lord reassures all, that His words will not pass away. That is why He calls us to believe in His words, that we may have hope and cleave to God as our Redeemer and Saviour.


Catholic spirituality has this important character of being ready and prepared for the Day of the Son of Man. As early as the 1st century, St. Paul was already preparing the young Christian churches. He said: "stand firm ... keep the traditions ... let Jesus be your comfort and strength in everything that you do or say" (1 Thessalonians 2:15ff). What he says is true. Whether the Day of the Son of Man comes during our own lifetime (or not), only Jesus will be our comfort and our strength. For "it shall be a time unsurpassed in distress since nations began until that time" (Daniel 12:1ff).


The End Times. Death and God's judgment. But God's justice is qualified by His mercy. What can give us confidence before God during those days? St. Claude la Colombière (instrumental in propagating devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus) has an attitude towards death which is a good example for us:


"What would give me confidence before God's judgment would be nothing other than the number and greatness of my sins. Here is a confidence really worthy of God: far from allowing us to be depressed by the sight of our faults, it strengthens us ... by its infinite conception of the goodness of our Creator".

Points for reflection: What verses in the Scriptures remind us of the goodness of God? As parents or godparents, how can we instill in the young a love for the Bible?