END TIMES - WHAT, WHEN, HOW - 33RD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (11/14/2021)

33RD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

November 14, 2021

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

END TIMES - WHAT, WHEN, HOW

Today's readings describe the end of time, the second coming of Christ, and all the cataclysmic events surrounding those events. They tell us  what is going to happen. The question of  when it will all happen is not answered. So, this Sunday's readings leave us with  how to prepare for our own end of life as well as for the end of all things.

DANIEL

The Book of Daniel has stories and apocalyptic visions to encourage and strengthen God's People when they are persecuted. Today's selection is a picture of how the persecution will end. The Archangel Michael, "the great prince," will have a prominent role in the final battle.

It is consoling to hear the words: "At that time your people shall escape, everyone who is found written in the book." The best way to prepare for the end of days and the judgment of God is to have one's name written in the book of life!

GOSPEL

Chapter 13 is "Mark's Apocalypse." The chapter begins with Jesus predicting the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem and proceeds to a description of the Second Coming and the events surrounding it. Neither sun nor moon will shine, stars will fall, "and the powers in the heavens will be shaken."

This could be all be a bit disconcerting - to say the least! But the next line is extremely reassuring: "And then they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory." For those who will be there to see it, what a sight to behold!

Jesus uses the example of a fig tree sprouting, which announces that summer is near. Since Israel is compared to a fig tree in Scripture (cf. Hos. 9:10; Jer. 8:13; 24; Micah 4:4), some commentators have interpreted the re-establishment of the State of Israel in 1948 as a sign that "he is near, at the gates." 

Let us hasten to remember, however, the last verse of today's gospel: "But of that day or hour, no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father." So much for the  when!

HEBREWS

As we have for the past few weeks, we continue to read from the Letter to the Hebrews on the high priestly ministry of Jesus - contrasting it with the earthly ministry of the Jewish priests.

The author emphasizes that Jesus offered "one sacrifice for sin and took his seat forever at the right hand of God."

The sacrifice of Jesus is the one perfect sacrifice that forgives sin and makes perfect those who are consecrated. Since the sacrifice of Jesus is perfect, there is no longer any need for animal sacrifices, which could not atone for sin anyway.

HOW TO PREPARE

The  what and  when of the end times are out of our control; it is only the  how that we can do something about. Both the Responsorial, Psalm 16, and the Alleluia Verse gives us the best counsel here.

Psalm 16 is an expression of great trust in the love and care of the Lord for us: "I set the Lord ever before me; with him at my right hand I shall not be disturbed." (On a personal note, Psalm 16 has been special to my wife and me ever since a version of it was sung at our wedding ceremony almost 48 years ago.)

The Alleluia Verse from Luke 21:36 tells us: "Be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the strength to stand before the Son of Man." In other words, "watch and pray" - the best way to be prepared for the great day of the Lord's coming, whether that coming is personal, at "the hour of our death," or at the end of the world.