November 18, 2018: Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reading: Mark 13:24-32

Jesus said to his disciples:
“In those days after that tribulation 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.

“And then they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in the clouds’ with great power and glory, and then he will send out the angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the end of the earth to the end of the sky.

“Learn a lesson from the fig tree. When its branch becomes tender and sprouts leaves, you know that summer is near. In the same way, when you see these things happening, know that he is near, at the gates.
Amen, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place.
Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
But of that day or hour, no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”

Reflection:

Today’s Gospel of Mark and also the first reading from the book of Daniel speak to us of the coming of the Anointed One. We’re approaching the end of the Church year so the readings are taking on a somber tone. They speak of times of tribulation and of natural disasters and of worldly uncertainty. Jesus tells us to pay attention to the signs of the times. It would be difficult in this time of history not to be aware of the uncertainty and troubling confusion that is present. Our instant communication and constant bombardment with the latest happenings around the world can overwhelm us. It is now that we certainly must focus on Jesus’ message that he is near. He says that his words will not pass away. Here is where living in trust and in the belief that the Holy will always be with us is necessary. May we, each day, grow in that trust in the love of God.

Action:

This week let’s try to remember that Jesus is with us even in these difficult times and live in such a way that others can tap into the Christ within us.