THIRTY-THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Gospel: (Mark 13:24-32)

Jesus said: "In those days after that tribulation the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from the sky, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. And they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory, and then he will send out the angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the end of the earth to the end of the sky. Learn a lesson from the fig tree. When its branch becomes tender and sprouts leaves, you will know that summer is near. In the same way, when you see these things happening, know that he is near, at the gates…Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away."

Reflection:

Conformity with Jesus' words means that we hear the teachings of Jesus and live them out. We have to live now to create a future for ourselves that we want and that God wants for us. When we live in conformity to the Word, hearing Jesus' words and living them out, the future holds no fear for us. Rather than fear, we anticipate our future with joyful expectation. On this second-to- last Sunday of the liturgical year, we realize that we have been faced with a choice throughout our journey during this past liturgical year: to be rooted in this world or in the words of Jesus. Our choices do make a difference. (Living Liturgy, p.246)

Vincentian Meditation:

"On the journey of life, we must make choices. Our instincts, our selfishness, our pride will often suggest to us to follow them. It is an easier road. But Christ, His Church and our consciences suggest another way. To follow that road, we must say no to our natural instincts. It may be difficult and demand much effort, but that effort will bring with it a peace and contentment that money will not buy. Do we take the easy, downhill road in every choice we make? Sometimes we need to apply the brakes to downhill movements in our lives and try to change direction and to change gears. We do that by allowing Jesus to have a greater say in our lives, in our decisions, and in our thoughts." (McCullen, Deep Down Things, p. 589-90)

Discussion: (Share your thoughts on the readings after a moment of silence)

       Where do we need to allow Jesus to have a greater say in our lives, in our decisions, in our thoughts, and in our choices?

Closing Prayer:

       Jesus, our light,
              -guide us in our decisions.
       Jesus, our joy,
              -guard us in our choices.
       Jesus, our life,
              -root us in your words. Amen