33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B) - 17th November 2024

Readings

• First Reading: Daniel 12:1-3
• Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 15 (16):5, 8-11
  • Response: "Preserve me, God, I take refuge in you."
• Second Reading: Hebrews 10:11-14, 18
• Gospel: Mark 13:24-32

First Reading: Daniel 12:1-3

Summary:
The Prophet Daniel has a dramatic vision of the end of time. It will be a time of distress, but it will also be a time that shows up the real goodness in people, the kind of goodness that God values.

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 15 (16):5, 8-11

Response: "Preserve me, God, I take refuge in you."
Summary:
The psalm is a prayer of trust in God, who is our refuge and strength. Although the end may come, it says, God will bring us to the fullness of life. Even death cannot separate us from God.

Second Reading: Hebrews 10:11-14, 18

Summary:
The reading from Hebrews today says that our religion is not about grovelling before God in shame. In what happened to Jesus after his death, we see that God has power to heal and forgive the very worst things that can be done or that can happen. Our religion notions may begin with fear, but Jesus leads us to the gratitude and joy that come from trust in God.

Gospel: Mark 13:24-32

Liturgical Title: 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Gospel Text (Mark 13:24-32):
Jesus said to his disciples: ‘In those days, after the time of distress, the sun will be darkened, the moon will lose its brightness, the stars will come falling from heaven 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; then too he will send the angels to gather his chosen from the four winds, from the ends of the world to the ends of heaven.

  ‘Take the fig tree as a parable: as soon as its twigs grow supple and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. So with you when you see these things happening: know that he is near, at the very gates. I tell you solemnly, before this generation has passed away all these things will have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

  ‘But as for that day or hour, nobody knows it, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son; no one but the Father.’

Brief Overview

About the end of time, Jesus tells us (as science does) that it will be cataclysmic, earth-shattering. But he also tells us that we will be gathered to God regardless.

Historical Background

The apocalyptic imagery in Mark reflects the Jewish tradition of prophecy concerning the "Day of the Lord," a concept found in the Old Testament and within early Christian thought. During times of persecution and hardship, early Christians found encouragement in Jesus' promise of His return and the final vindication of the faithful. Mark’s Gospel, likely written during a period of Roman oppression, used apocalyptic language to offer hope and a reminder that, despite suffering, God remains sovereign.

Contextual Reflections

Yes, there will be an end, probably a dramatic one, to life as we know it. This is to be expected as surely as the seasons of the fig tree come and go. But Jesus tells us that our security is not in earthly stability but in God’s promise. He calls us to a hopeful vigilance, encouraging us to keep our hearts in line with God’s will and to find strength in His promise of redemption.

Connecting the Gospel to Today's Cultural Context

The end will come, even if (in this modern culture of ours) we ignore it, or don’t admit it, or forget about it. It will come for all of us. Even science tells us that. Rather than getting worked up about it, Jesus encourages us to prepare for it. Live every day as if it were your last: that’s good advice. Meanwhile, Jesus call us to do what we are here for: to grow as we go on our journey of life. That’s the best preparation for death. While life as we know it will pass away, the words of Jesus will not pass away. His teaching of God as a loving Father, his giving us a glimpse of eternity in his Resurrection, his telling us not to worry, his promise to return to take us with him: none of these things will ever change. Focus on them rather than getting worked up about crisis after crisis.

Themes for Meditation

• Living in Hopeful Readiness: Reflect on what it means to live with a sense of expectation. How can you stay focused on God’s promises, even amid life’s uncertainties?
• Trusting in God’s Sovereignty: Consider the challenges in your life where you need to trust God’s ultimate plan. How can you cultivate a deeper faith that leans on Him, rather than trying to control every outcome?
• Strength through Community: Jesus gathers His chosen people from every corner of the earth. Reflect on the importance of being part of a faith community that supports each other in the journey toward God. How can you contribute to this community, helping others remain watchful and faithful?

Prayer

Lord Jesus, You call us to stay watchful, to live with hope and expectation of Your coming. Fill our hearts with trust in Your promises, especially in times of trial. Help us to remain faithful, to live with purpose, and to be lights in a world that needs Your love. Guide us in our daily lives to live in a way that reflects Your peace and Your coming kingdom. Amen.

Quotes for Reflection

• “In tribulation immediately draw near to God with confidence, and you will receive strength, enlightenment, and instruction.” – St. John of the Cross
• “To fall in love with God is the greatest of all romances; to seek Him, the greatest adventure; to find Him, the greatest human achievement.” – St. Augustine
• “The time you spend with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament is the best time you will spend on earth.” – St. Teresa of Calcutta

Contemplative Action

This week, take time to consider what it means to live with hopeful vigilance. Find a quiet moment to reflect on areas where you may need to surrender control to God’s plan. Seek out a daily practice, such as prayer or meditation, that draws you closer to Christ and helps you remain spiritually alert and prepared for His coming.

Further Reading: Saint of the Week

Saint Elizabeth of Hungary (Feast Day: 17th November)
St. Elizabeth of Hungary was a queen known for her extraordinary charity and humility. Despite her royal status, she chose to live a life dedicated to the poor and suffering, even giving up her wealth to serve others. Inspired by her deep love for Christ, Elizabeth established hospitals, cared for the sick, and advocated for those in need. She reminds us that holiness often involves sacrifice, and that loving God is expressed through love and service to others.

Liturgical Calendar for the Week

• 17th November: 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
• 18th November: The Dedication of the Basilicas of Sts. Peter and Paul, Apostles; St. Rose Philippine Duchesne, Virgin (Optional Memorials)
• 19th November: Weekday in Ordinary Time
• 20th November: Weekday in Ordinary Time
• 21st November: The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Memorial)
• 22nd November: St. Cecilia, Virgin and Martyr (Memorial)
• 23rd November: St. Clement I, Pope and Martyr; St. Columban, Abbot; Blessed Miguel Agustín Pro, Priest and Martyr (Optional Memorials)

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