"You will show me the path to life" ~ A reflection on the Thirty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Thirty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time (B)
Homecoming Sunday

Dn 12:1-3

Ps 16:5, 8, 9-10, 11 (1)

Heb 10:11-14, 18

Mk 13:24-32

Since we are coming to the end of the Liturgical Year, the readings this Sunday speak about the endtimes. People have always been fascinated and frightened about the predictions in Scripture concerning those days; and in every generation, one finds individuals certain that the end would come on a specific date.  People seem to forget that Jesus said:  "But of that day or hour, no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father." (Mk 13:32)  So even Jesus did not know when it would happen, though it appears he thought it might occur  before his generation died.

It would do well to listen to the messages of hope that are contained in the Scripture readings of this weekend instead of concentrating on the many tribulations that are expected.  The prophet Daniel assures us that the archangel Michael, the guardian of God's people, will arise and protect us.  That even though there will be a time of great distress, those whose names are written in the Lord's book will escape.  The wise will shine like the splendor of the firmament and those who lead others to justice will be like the stars.

The psalmist writes beautifully about the trust he has in the Lord, who will protect him because he belongs to the Lord:

"Therefore my heart is glad and my soul rejoices... because you will not abandon my soul to the netherworld, nor will you suffer your faithful one to undergo corruption..."  Instead, the Lord:  "will show me the path to life..."  (Ps 16:9 ff)

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Today was also Homecoming Sunday.  We had a nice crowd of former and present members of St. Elizabeth, including several people who had attended old St. Elizabeth School.  After the Mass, we gathered in the parish hall for a delicious feast!  Many thanks to all who made this celebration such a success!

It was awesome!


 ~ Image Source:  GambarRohani's Gallery