Homily of 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B
1st Reading: Daniel 12:1-3; 2nd Reading: Hebrews 10:11-14, 18; Gospel: Mark 13:24-32
As we approach the end of the liturgical year, the Church invites us to reflect on the impending cataclysmic challenges or end-time calamities. These eschatological events remind us of the transient nature of our earthly existence and the ultimate triumph of God’s Kingdom. The Church teaches us not to fear these calamities but to remain vigilant and hopeful, trusting in God’s promise of eternal life.
Meanwhile, we should understand the “eschaton” (final events) not only as a future goal but as a reality that has already begun with the historical coming of Christ. The passion, death, and resurrection of Christ are the supreme event in the history of humanity, which has now entered its final phase. Please join us as we reflect on how we can navigate through the end-time calamities and finally gain eternal life.
THE VISION OF DANIEL ABOUT THE END-TIME CALAMITIES
“End-time Calamities” is a coinage used to describe eschatological events preceding the second coming of Christ. The first reading brings to the limelight a glimpse of the Great Tribulation that would shake the very foundations of the world. This book of Daniel was written in the second century, about 166 BC, to encourage the Jews who were facing harsh persecution through their brutal persecutor, Antiochus Epiphanes. It also highlights the triumph of God’s goodness over the evil of this world. The dead shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.
Moreover, Daniel’s vision assures us that those whose name shall be found written in the book (the wise) will shine like the stars, especially those who turn many to righteousness. Hence, we are called to live in a state of active vigilance, recognizing that we live in a world where suffering and uncertainty are ever-present. Just as the Jews in Daniel’s time faced persecution, we too will encounter trials and tribulations. This is not meant to paralyze us with fear but to awaken us from complacency. We are reminded that God is always with us, offering strength and solace amidst the storms.
CHRIST’S PROPHECY OF THE END-TIME CALAMITIES
In the gospel reading, Jesus Christ reechoes Daniel’s end-time messages by describing cosmic upheavals that will herald His glorious return. “In those days, after that great tribulations, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken” (Mark 13:24–25). While these images can be terrifying, they point to a profound truth of what awaits us on the last day.
Notably, we should not allow ourselves to be deceived with false prophecies about the exact day, just like the false predictions about the end of the world on the 1st of January 2000. No one knows the exact day, though the catastrophes of our time may seem to point toward the end time. But Christ said it is only the Father alone who knows the day and hour. As the scripture says, Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away (Mark 13:31). Since Christ has said this, then it must surely come to fulfillment. Nevertheless, Jesus assures us that His elect (faithful) will be saved. He will gather them from the four winds as proof of the fulfillment of God’s promise.
THE SACRIFICE OF CHRIST IS OUR HOPE
The second reading reminds us of the perfect and eternal sacrifice of Christ as the source of our unwavering hope. Unlike the temporary sacrifices offered by the Levitical priests, Christ’s offering has definitively reconciled humanity with God. His sacrificial death assures us of forgiveness and eternal life. Therefore, death, which was once a fearsome enemy, is transformed into a passage to eternal life in His presence.
St. Paul tells us that “Christ’s death on the cross has set us free from the law of sin and death” (Romans 8:3). This realization liberates us from the grip of fear, allowing us to embrace the end, not as an annihilation but as a homecoming. Once we have this in mind and love God and humanity sincerely, we will not be afraid of death or the calamities of the end-time. As St. Francis of Assisi beautifully expressed, “It is in dying that we are born to eternal life.”
TRUSTING IN GOD’S MERCY AMIDST OUR CHALLENGES
The challenges we usually face in life may appear horrendous and tend to make us derail from the truth. Oftentimes, the more we try to remain closer to God, the more we are faced with great challenges. But we cannot be faithful to God if we are not guided by the Power of the Holy Spirit. He is the one who will help us to remain faithful, honest, and obedient.
Certainly, all of us will have to meet Jesus Christ on the day of judgment. We do not know when we will die and cannot do anything to avoid sudden death. But we can avoid an unprepared death. This can be possible if we always meet Jesus Christ in the “Sacrament of Reconciliation” and confess our sins. Of course, we will be vindicated and strengthened through the power of His divine mercy. Therefore, let us have confidence in God and courageously come to His throne of mercy (Hebrews 4:16).
CONSTANT UNION CHRIST THROUGH THE HOLY EUCHARIST
The second reading tells us, “Christ has offered one single sacrifice for sins and then taken His seat forever, at the right hand of God” (Hebrews 10:12). Our remembrance of the Parousia should teach us to receive the Holy Eucharist frequently. This helps to keep alive our union with Christ and to stand with Him in the sight of the heavenly Father. Jesus Christ is the vine, and we are the branches (John 15:5). If we faithfully remain attached to Him through the Holy Eucharist, we will live forever. But if we cut off from Him through sinfulness, we will die forever.
For instance, during the rainy season, the grass grows with fresh and green vegetation. If its roots remain healthy through proper nourishment during rainy days, then the leaves will shoot forth anew during the dry season. But if something catastrophic happens to its roots during the rainy season, the leaves will not grow again. Therefore, a man rises again whose soul lived a life of faith, hope, and charity. However, those who lived in sin and have died in sin shall not rise in glory.
THE JOYFUL ANTICIPATION OF THE PAROUSIA
Through the Holy Eucharist, we anticipate in faith, hope, and love the eternal union that will follow the judgment. Of course, in death, the human body decays and the soul goes to meet God while awaiting its reunion with its glorified body. God, in His Almighty power, will definitely grant incorruptible life to our bodies by reuniting them with our souls through the Power of Jesus’ Resurrection (CCC 997). Moreover, this sacramental union, a prefigure of our eternal union, is filled with joy, which is the ontological and psychological result of love.
It is necessary to always watch and pray fervently so that that great day of the Lord does not take us by surprise. We must live each day as a precious gift, an opportunity to grow in love for God and neighbour. But are we truly prepared to meet the Lord in His second coming (Parousia)? Is our heart filled with love or consumed by fear and indifference? Therefore, the time is now to turn away from sin and embrace God’s mercy. Living as beacons of hope in a world longing for redemption. Therefore, it is necessary to live the intrinsically eschatological character of the Holy Eucharist.
CONCLUSION
As we journey through this penultimate week of the liturgical year, we are called to reflect on the end-time calamities not with dread but with hope-filled anticipation. Let us cling to the promise of Christ’s victory, allowing His love to cast out all fear. Through lives dedicated to faith, hope, and love, may we become shining examples of God’s transformative power. Thus, waiting eagerly for the glorious dawn of His eternal Kingdom.
Therefore, as we draw closer to the end-time and await the final coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, let us reflect and persevere with the following:
1. Constant prayer life (Luke 18:1-5, Isaiah 62:6-8, Mark 14:37-39).
2. Constant Studying of the Word of God (2 Timothy 2:15, John 6:63).
3. Constant Sacrament of Reconciliation (2 Chronicles 7:14, 1 John 1:8-10).
4. Forgiving others their offenses (Matthew 6:14–15).
5. Constant reception of Holy Communion (John 6:51).
6. Charity Work (Galatians 6:9-10; Matthew 25:31-45).
PRAYER:
I pray that the Holy Spirit grants you the grace to continue being steadfast in the Lord so that you may stand firm in the face of the end-time calamities. May He increase your faith in God; to love one another deeply and confidently await the day of His glorious return. On the last day, may you be welcomed into His Heavenly Kingdom, through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
Peace of Christ be with you…
Rev. Fr. Benjamin Okala, C.S.Sp.
