November 17, 2024: Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Gospel: Mark 13:24-32 (Carmelite Lectionary)

Jesus said to his companions: “In those days, after much tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see the Anointed One coming in clouds with great power and glory, sending out the angels and gathering the elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven.

“From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the Appointed Judge is near, at the very gates. Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away before all these things take place.  Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. “Of that day or that hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Chosen One, but only God who is Creator of all.”

Reflection

As we come to the conclusion of another Liturgical Year the readings speak of the end times.  Today’s Gospel reminds us that no one knows the day or the hour. And this not only applies to the end of the world, but also to the end of each of our lives in this world. We will not know when or how our lives will end.

The somber warning is meant to alert us to the fact that no one and no thing last forever. It shakes us up to face the reality that our life is finite and that the clock is ticking. Every news report typically contains some story about the end, either of human lives or human inventions.  This world as we know it is passing away.

The only thing for sure is God. So if God is never-ending and we believe that there is life after death, what is the invitation in today’s scriptures and particularly the Gospel?

Might it be time to take an inventory? Just as we periodically house-clean and purge, why not make application to our spiritual life? What needs to remain and what needs to go? Where do you and I spend our energy needlessly? What is essential as we face the future? How might you and I live more fully?

Action

In the coming week ponder the above questions. If you keep a journal, make some notes. If you do a nightly examination of conscience, use the questions during that time. A new year of life in the church is around the corner. Prepare for it according to the promptings of the Spirit.