As we approach the end of the Liturgical Year, the readings contain a message about the end of our world or, at least the end of life as we know it. However, it is not for us to be unduly worried or concerned about the end of the world, that is up to God alone. Our concern should be directed to the ‘here and now’ which ends with our death.
The First Reading is taken from the Book of Daniel (12:1 – 3). The stories contained in the Book of Daniel center around the struggles between the Jews of the 3rd century BC and the last of the Greek-Seleucid kings in the war of the Maccabees. However, the setting of these stories is disguised to reflect similar struggles of the Jews of the 6th century BC against the Babylonians which must have seemed like the end of the world to the people of both time periods. In either case, this vision or prophesy is a message of hope and survival, but must be read and understood in a spiritual context.
The Responsorial Psalm is (16:5 – 11). The Psalmist is reflecting on the struggles of his people during the times mentioned above. Pledging his loyalty to God, he proclaims his hostility toward the idolaters and his friendship to the faithful of Israel. Therefore, he is aware that the constant presence of God will keep him in this blessed union by granting him bodily resurrection and everlasting life. All of this must also be understood in a spiritual context.
The Second Reading is from the Letter to the Hebrews (10:11 – 14, 18). The writer of Hebrews is telling us that the temple high-priest of the Jews had to offer sacrifices daily for the forgiveness of his own sins and those of the people. However, Jesus, the new ‘High-Priest’, made a perfect and sacred sacrifice once – for all the sins of all mankind. Knowing this should give us the hope that will carry us through our natural life and into eternal life. All we need do is believe and accept Christ into our hearts and ask Him to be with us and guide us through our ‘end times’.
The Gospel Reading is taken from the Gospel of Mark (13:24 – 32). Chapter 13, of the Gospel of Mark, is often referred to as “the little apocalypse” as is chapters 24 and 25 of the Gospel of Matthew. These are Jesus’ warnings of the ‘end times’ to come during the middle of the first century AD (“….this generation”) and at the end of the world (“….heaven and earth will pass away”). However, what we are to take from all of this is the warning contained in the line that reads: “Learn a lesson from the fig tree…” It refers to the obvious signs of serious illness and aging or, to the people of His time, the persecutions that were to begin shortly thereafter.
Our bodies are like that fig tree. When we notice that something is wrong and our life is nearing its end – that is ‘end times’ for us, we can do nothing about the end of the world. We can do something about our own end of life, but is must begin now, today. We cannot wait for old age or some other sure sign of death. That is too late! We hear so much about Long Term Health care and Wills and other forms of preparation, but the kind of preparation that all of the scripture passages referenced here refer to the ‘end time of our individual lives’ yours and mine. So the question is: “Are you prepared for that day or hour to stand before your God?” Something to think about during your Prayer time this week!
If you have questions or comments regarding the above, please send them, in writing, to the parish office. We will respond as quickly as possible.
Sunday Commentary
Commentary on the Readings for November 15, 2009
The 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
As we approach the end of the Liturgical Year, the readings contain a message about the end of our world or, at least the end of life as we know it. However, it is not for us to be unduly worried or concerned about the end of the world, that is up to God alone. Our concern should be directed to the ‘here and now’ which ends with our death.
The First Reading is taken from the Book of Daniel (12:1 – 3). The stories contained in the Book of Daniel center around the struggles between the Jews of the 3rd century BC and the last of the Greek-Seleucid kings in the war of the Maccabees. However, the setting of these stories is disguised to reflect similar struggles of the Jews of the 6th century BC against the Babylonians which must have seemed like the end of the world to the people of both time periods. In either case, this vision or prophesy is a message of hope and survival, but must be read and understood in a spiritual context.
The Responsorial Psalm is (16:5 – 11). The Psalmist is reflecting on the struggles of his people during the times mentioned above. Pledging his loyalty to God, he proclaims his hostility toward the idolaters and his friendship to the faithful of Israel. Therefore, he is aware that the constant presence of God will keep him in this blessed union by granting him bodily resurrection and everlasting life. All of this must also be understood in a spiritual context.
The Second Reading is from the Letter to the Hebrews (10:11 – 14, 18). The writer of Hebrews is telling us that the temple high-priest of the Jews had to offer sacrifices daily for the forgiveness of his own sins and those of the people. However, Jesus, the new ‘High-Priest’, made a perfect and sacred sacrifice once – for all the sins of all mankind. Knowing this should give us the hope that will carry us through our natural life and into eternal life. All we need do is believe and accept Christ into our hearts and ask Him to be with us and guide us through our ‘end times’.
The Gospel Reading is taken from the Gospel of Mark (13:24 – 32). Chapter 13, of the Gospel of Mark, is often referred to as “the little apocalypse” as is chapters 24 and 25 of the Gospel of Matthew. These are Jesus’ warnings of the ‘end times’ to come during the middle of the first century AD (“….this generation”) and at the end of the world (“….heaven and earth will pass away”). However, what we are to take from all of this is the warning contained in the line that reads: “Learn a lesson from the fig tree…” It refers to the obvious signs of serious illness and aging or, to the people of His time, the persecutions that were to begin shortly thereafter.
Our bodies are like that fig tree. When we notice that something is wrong and our life is nearing its end – that is ‘end times’ for us, we can do nothing about the end of the world. We can do something about our own end of life, but is must begin now, today. We cannot wait for old age or some other sure sign of death. That is too late! We hear so much about Long Term Health care and Wills and other forms of preparation, but the kind of preparation that all of the scripture passages referenced here refer to the ‘end time of our individual lives’ yours and mine. So the question is: “Are you prepared for that day or hour to stand before your God?” Something to think about during your Prayer time this week!
If you have questions or comments regarding the above, please send them, in writing, to the parish office. We will respond as quickly as possible.
- MFB