The end of time!
november 17, 2024 | 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B
Daniel 12:1-3; Psalm 16; Hebrews 10:11-14, 18; Mark 13:24-32
The end of time!
We are almost at the end of the liturgical year. The readings invites us to reflect on the judgement on the last days when the Son of man comes. Thanks to Jesus’s offering for our sin once for all. In spite of a time of great distress Daniel in the Old Testament speaks about those who will rise from the dust, the saved. There will be a final judgment where the faithful will shine like stars. This gives us hope in the promise of the resurrection and eternal life with God. Jesus, the Eternal High Priest is the fulfilment of the hope, which demands of us a new way of life.
Jesus’s predictions of the end of time
Let’s note that Jesus’ words in today’s Gospel are spoken to prepare his disciples for his upcoming passion and death. Christians in the time of Mark, that is, 30 to 40 years after Christ, were living under political turmoil in Rome. Some Christians were persecuted by Emperor Nero (about 64 A.D.) Jewish revolutionaries rebelled against the Romans, which led the Romans to destroy the Temple in Jerusalem in 70 A.D. This is the context that led Mark to remind them of Jesus' words of hope in times of trouble and tribulation. Jesus' return is certain and will ultimately bring victory to the faithful ones. The disciples needs not to be afraid but to be watchful and prepared for the final judgement for no one knows neither “the day nor the hour”
Signs for the nearness of the end of time
Jesus himself offers his disciples signs that will indicate that the coming of the Son of Man is near. Drawing from the Old Testament imagery, especially images found in the Book of Daniel, Jesus mentions the darkening of the sun, which symbolizes the judgement and the fact that rulers of this world will be defeated. Jesus also mentioned that “The moon will not give its light” in order to express the loss of clarity, direction and security. The disciple would have to trust in Christ’s direction, guidance and security. Jesus also revealed that:
“the stars will be falling from the sky and the powers in the heavens will be shaken”
which is an expression of God’s power over creation.
Lesson of the fig Tree
By introducing the fig tree in this section, invites the disciples to learn how to read the signs of time in order to be prepared for the end times. This is pivotal for every Christian who is called to repent and to bear the fruits that God expects of us.
To conclude, Jesus’ words to us on this Sunday are not spoken to frighten us or anybody, but they offer us hope and an opportunity to prepareourselves for his coming in glory. Our consolation and hope is found in the lasting nature of Jesus’ words and God’s never-ending love for us.
Prayer: Lord help us to live wisely and lead others to you. Thank you for Jesus’s sacrifice that makes us holy. Strengthen our faith and give us hope in difficult times. Amen.
Living The Gospel this week: Hope in tribulation
Today’s Gospel focuses on Jesus’ teachings about His return in glory. Jesus describes a world in turmoil, with nations breaking down, natural disasters, family divisions, darkening of the sun, and the moon, the breaking down of the sky and persecution. Many events and situations cause fear in our lives. We should not be frightened as christians. Jesus’s victory on the cross is our assurance.
1. Let’s watch and wait with confidence, knowing we will rejoice with Christ forever.
2. Think of God as “our refuge and strength, our help in times of trouble” (Psalm 46:1-3)
3. When troubles come our way let’s not fear, for the Lord is always with us as he promised. “Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand" (Isaiah 41:10)
“Endure with Christ, suffer for him, if you wish to reign with him.” Thomas a Kempis (1380-1471 A.D.)
Fr. Georges Roger BIDZOGO SAC