Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time
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November 12, 2021November 14, 2021
Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time
Dn 12:1-3
Heb 10:11-14, 18
Mk 13:24-32
GROW AS A DISCIPLE | PRAY, STUDY, ENGAGE, SERVE
GROW: My husband reads the obituaries regularly, as did my elderly Aunt Loretta. Me, I avoid them. I don’t like to think about death, and the same can be said for some references to the end times, particularly those like we hear in the Book of Daniel: “Some shall live forever, others shall be an everlasting horror and disgrace.” Give me a comforting psalm any day! However, in today’s Gospel, Jesus assures us that we who believe need not fear the Second Coming, for at that time the Son of Man shall “gather his elect.” Yes, “heaven and earth will pass away,” but the words of Jesus never shall. It is true, we don’t know the time or the hour of his return and so we prepare for it by remaining focused on Jesus’ words and turning our lives over to him in and through the sacramental life of the Church. Strive to live well on earth, following the path to eternal life that our loving and merciful Savior has paved for us.
GO EVANGELIZE | PRAYER, INVITATION, WITNESS, ACCOMPANIMENT
GO: It’s easy to become complacent in that striving. I notice that tendency in everyday life – taking my spouse for granted, not being mindful of how what I say and do serves as an example (either good or bad!) for another. It’s like moving through the day with blinders on. In today’s Gospel, Jesus is teaching his disciples about his return in glory, and how those who follow him will be able to sense its approach. “Learn a lesson from the fig tree. When its branch becomes tender and sprouts leaves, you know that summer is near.” In other words, “pay attention; be observant” – the opposite of complacency. To counter this within ourselves, we can ask God to open our eyes to the signs of his love all around us – our spouses and dear friends, our families, and all the gifts we have been given. Just as importantly, we can accompany one another as we seek to grow in holiness and prepare for the day we meet Jesus, living as an example in word and deed. As the Book of Daniel so eloquently tells us, “The wise shall shine brightly like the splendor of the firmament, and those who lead the many to justice shall be like the stars forever.”
PRAY: Read the obituaries! Many of them contain inspiring examples of lives well lived. Take a moment in this month of November to pray for all who have died. Make a conscious effort to be a specific example to another of Christ’s love in the world that they, too, might be better prepared for Christ’s return.
