33rd Sunday of Ordinary Times

As we rapidly approach the end of the liturgical year B, we are reminded that eventually all things will to an end and eternity will begin. In today’s readings, Jesus and the prophet Daniel speak of a time when the world, as we know it, will end. The physical order we currently rely on will disappear and we will have to look to God for new directions.

               The prophet Daniel says, it will be a time of great distress. Jesus expounds and says that not only will there be many trials, but our own physical surroundings will fail us. Daniel promises a different kind of light to lead us then. The wise shall shine brightly and those who lead others to justice shall be like bright stars.

               The descriptions are scary but we should be aware of the promises within them. Jesus’ words will not pass away. In times of such turmoil, we can cling to and rely on God’s word and the awareness that Jesus is among us. The letter to the Hebrews, reminds us that, in times of stress and upheaval, we have a spokesman at the right hand of God who loves us and died for us. The road is never easy, but we need never travel it alone.

               C.S. Lewis in his book “Mere Christianity” published in 1943, he wrote, “It is since Christians have largely ceased to think of the other world that they have become so ineffective in life after death issues.” Remember, the world we know today can end in many ways…What are the things in your life that would survive such a change? How precious are those things to you now? Do you need to rethink your priorities? Pope Francis said, “At the same time, the heart makes all authentic bonding possible, since a relationship not shaped by the hart is incapable of overcoming the fragmentation caused by individualism… As Heidegger put it, to be open to the divine we need to build a ‘guest house’."