33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B (Daniel 12:1-3 Hebrews 10: 11-14.18 Mark 13:24-32)
Theme: A Message of Hope
Today is the thirty-third Sunday of the Year B. As the liturgical year is coming close to the end, the church in her wisdom reminds us about the end of our earthly journey. The readings we have talks about the end time, presenting us an opportunity to reflect about our lives and make decisions that will help us attain salvation at the end of our earthly sojourn.
In the first reading, the prophet Daniel talks about the divine judgment that will come at the end of time. He points at the fact that there will be great confusion and difficulty that has never been experienced before by the people; but the good news is that the people will be delivered. The difficulty will not consume all the people especially those whose names have been written in the Book of life. Our ability to be included in those who will make heaven or not is dependent on how we live our lives now that we still have the opportunity to make a difference on our situation. It is never too late for us to make that bold step and begin to live our lives like true children of God that we are called to be. The readings we have on this Sunday is a reminder for us to reflect about the kind of life we are living.
In the second reading, we are told that Christ have made the supreme sacrifice with his blood, by so doing redeeming us with his blood. It is for you and I to play our own role by living like true children of God in a way that is acceptable and pleasing to God. In that way, the death of Christ on the cross will not be in vain in our lives. This is the appropriate time to critically evaluate our way of life and make amends where necessary, if we truly want to be among those who will make salvation at the end of our earthly pilgrimage.
The gospel reading will be meaningful to us if we take seriously the admonitions in the first and second readings for this Sunday. This is because we will be qualified to be part of the elect that the Angels will gather. We will be ready and prepared to meet with the Master, because we have worked hard and entered through the narrow gate.
Dearly beloved in Christ, it is never too late for us to begin to right the wrongs in our lives. We can do this by retracing our steps and strive after righteousness and holiness of life in our human relationships and dealings with all those who encounter us in our journey of life.
May God grant us the grace to be prepared and ready for him when he comes. Peace be with you.