33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time 2024
Daniel 12:1-3 Hebrews 10:11-14, 18 Mark 13:24-32
In today’s Gospel reading Mark uses Apocalyptic style of writing in order to get across the message of Jesus as He comes close to fulfilling his mission of redemption. Apocalyptic style aims at trying to restore belief in God in a world which is distressed and afraid. It emphasises the light and victory at the end of the struggle. Throughout the gospel of St Mark we see Jesus emphasising his mission as the Suffering Servant and now that his death was immanent, the disciples were fearful. So, Mark records the assurance of the Lord that after this time of distress His glory will be revealed.
The Scripture readings today seem timely and relevant to our own day. Our world is indeed in distress: wars, economic worries, destructive politics, environmental issues, natural disasters etc. We need reassurance. And that reassurance is to be found as we celebrate our liturgy. Our Gospel today has two important ‘footnotes’. The first is the promise that “my words will not pass away” – those who have ears to hear, let them listen! The second ‘footnote’ raises the question, ‘when?’ When will it happen for us? Would we like to know? Of course, it is not for us to know when. Ours is only to believe and to wait in Hope. We believe that Christ will come again. These topics concerned with the end of time are appropriate for us during the month of November, the month when we traditionally reflect on life after death and pray with and for our departed loved ones. Liturgically, November could be regarded as the Month of the Communion of Saints.
We began the month with the Feast of All Saints - those who are in Heaven. These are they who live eternally in the Presence of God. They intercede for us, they protect us, and they are put before us as models of discipleship and of doing God’s Will. As members of the Faithful on earth we share in the communion of Saints and we are those who wait in Hope of the promises of the Lord to us who are faithful.
Part also of the Communion of Saints are the souls of the Faithful departed who are assured of their eternal life in God’s presence. We don’t often talk of Purgatory nowadays. But we believe that it is the joyful, peaceful experience of those who make their final preparation to enter the joy of heaven. We can help them with our prayers and pray together with them that all will be united in Christ in the fullness of time. The Holy souls surely pray the words of our Psalm today; “For you will not leave my soul among the dead, nor let you beloved know decay”. (Psalm 15:5)
Our November thoughts and prayers need never be mournful or terrifying. The sadness of death gives way to the bright promise of immortal life in God’s presence. We are blessed to call the Lord “my portion and cup ….my prize”…..
Yes Lord, “you will show me the path of life, the fullness of joy in your presence, at your right hand happiness for ever” (Psalm 15:8-11)