33RD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (YEAR B)

1st Reading              Daniel 12: 1-3

Psalm                         16:5,8,9-10, 11 (R. 1)

R:// "Preserve me, God, I take refuge in you"

2nd Reading           Hebrews 10: 11-14, 18

Gospel                      Mark 13: 24-32

STANDING FIRM IN THE FAITH

Beloved, today is the 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B). Today is the last but one Sunday of the liturgical year. Next Sunday is the Solemnity of Christ, King of the Universe (Christ the King). As we draw very close to the end of the liturgical year, our readings focus on the issue of ENDS. The Word of God for this Sunday deals with the issue of what happens at the end of life. Let us dive into the readings.

The first reading is from Daniel 12: 1-3. The book of Daniel has a very high apocalyptic tone. We cannot talk about today's readings without looking at the preceding narratives because today's readings start with "At that time". We have to put the book within context. 

The Book of Daniel is set during the Babylonian exile (586-539 BC), but its composition is generally dated to the Maccabean period (167-164 BC). The language of the text is a kind of warfare or military activity. This is indicated by the two times mention of "stand up/arise". The word used is 'âmad. That is the same word used in 1 Samuel 17: 3, 8, 51, and Isaiah 50: 8 within the context of a military expedition. What Daniel indicates by the use of that word is a battle. 

The battle is seen within the context of the persecution. Some of the Jews did not lose faith. However, some lost the faith. Those who did not lose faith become faithful ones. The names of these individuals are written in the Book. There are some who, after rising from the dust, from Sheol, shall be taken up to everlasting life. Those who defected and lost faith and became unfaithful are taken to everlasting contempt. The purpose of that persecution was "to test and purify them" (Dan. 11: 35). The implication is that those who availed themselves to testing and purification are good to enjoy eternal bliss and protection. Those who refused it do not enjoy it. 

The Gospel passage from Mark 13:24-32 also has a high apocalyptic language. The Gospel mentioned that "the Sun will be darkened; Moon will lose its brightness; Stars will come falling". All these are in view of the end of time. 

Realise that the three things mentioned are about Creation. Specifically, these are light bodies. These bodies are supposed to illumine the world. However, at the end of time, these bodies will no longer function. Creation will be in the reversal direction. The Son of Man will come at this time. That is the time the authority of the Light of the World will be shown.

Dear friends, as we await the coming of the Son of Man, let us reflect on our own faithfulness. Have we stood firm in the face of adversity, or have we defected? The end of time is not just about destruction, but also about revelation – the revelation of God's glory and our true identity as children of light. May we embrace the darkness as an opportunity to shine brighter, just as the Light of the World will shine at the end of time. As we prepare for the Solemnity of Christ, King of the Universe, let us reaffirm our commitment to faith, hope, and love, knowing that our eternal destiny is secured in God's loving hands.

Pax et Bonum