November 17, 2024 - 33rd Sunday of Ordinary Time
Dear Sisters and Brothers,
This Sunday’s readings invite us to reflect on themes of vigilance, hope, and preparation. We find ourselves approaching the end of the liturgical year, and the Church, through Scripture, shifts our attention toward the culmination of all things and the second coming of Christ. This time of the year asks us to ponder deeply the reality of God’s promises and our readiness to meet Him.
In the first reading from the Book of Daniel, we hear of a time of great distress, yet the promise of deliverance for those who remain faithful. Daniel’s vision speaks of ultimate justice: a time when those who sleep in the dust of the earth will awaken, some to everlasting life and others to everlasting disgrace. This imagery is meant to remind us that no matter the tribulations we face, God’s plan is one of ultimate redemption for His faithful.
The responsorial psalm, echoes a profound trust in the Lord: “You are my inheritance, O Lord.” It highlights the joy and security found in God’s presence. The psalmist’s confidence reminds us that when we set the Lord always before us, we shall not be shaken. This assurance strengthens our resolve to remain faithful, knowing that in God’s presence, there is fullness of joy and eternal delight.
In the second reading we are reminded of the perfect and singular sacrifice of Jesus Christ. His one offering has perfected for all time those who are sanctified. This passage reassures us that our sins have been forgiven through Christ’s ultimate act of love, and where there is forgiveness, there is no longer any offering for sin. It is a call to live confidently in the grace that Christ has secured for us.
Today’s Gospel brings forth Jesus’ teaching about the end times. He speaks of cosmic disturbances and the gathering of the elect. These words, though unsettling at first glance, are not meant to invoke fear but to encourage a watchful heart. “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away,” Jesus assures us. In these words, we find the assurance that amidst the transitory nature of the world, God’s promises are unchanging.
So, how do we live in the light of these readings? The answer lies in vigilance and active hope. To be vigilant does not mean to live in anxiety but to live each day with purpose, rooted in our faith. It means aligning our lives with God’s will, making choices that reflect His love, justice, and mercy. It is about being spiritually awake, ensuring that our hearts and minds are open to His presence in our daily lives. Active hope, on the other hand, invites us to engage with the world around us through acts of love and service. We prepare for Christ’s coming not by retreating from life but by participating in it fully, embodying the Gospel through our actions. In this way, we contribute to building His kingdom here on earth while awaiting its fulfillment.
As we approach Advent and the celebration of Christ’s first coming, let us also remember His promise to come again. Let us be a people who live with joyful expectation, unwavering in faith, and rich in love. May we remain steadfast, like the wise who “shine brightly” as Daniel described, guiding others to righteousness and embodying the hope that is found in Christ alone.
God bless everyone always!!!
Fr. Stan
