First Reading: Daniel 12: 1-3
Second Reading: Hebrews 10:11-14,18
Gospel: Mark 13: 24-32
Today is the second to the last Sunday of the liturgical year. Next Sunday is the solemnity of Christ the King. The tone of the liturgy today is eschatological, that is, pertaining to the end time. As we move closer to the end of the liturgical year, the liturgy begins focus our attention to the final things, namely, the end of time, the second coming of Christ, final judgment and the promise of eternal life. It reminds us of the importance of being vigilant and prepared for the Lord’s return.
The first reading from the Book of Daniel speaks of a time of great distress, such as has never been seen before. It was written for a persecuted people of God to give them hope that the evil all around them would not ultimately prevail. It was a time of tribulation and there was an attempt to suppress Jewish religious practices. Amidst severe and unprecedented trials, the word of God assures them of us of the ultimate triumph of God’s kingdom. It is a promise of salvation where many will be raised to everlasting life and those who failed to persevere, to everlasting disgrace. All of us, the good and the bad alike, the persecutors and the persecuted would one day rise again and face judgement by God who would grant eternal life to his people and sentence those who oppress his people to eternal death.
The responsorial Psalm is a prayer of trust in God’s constant protection and guidance. It serves as a beautiful reminder of the trust we should have in God, the joy of belonging to God, and the hope of eternal life. Like the Psalmist, we must trust in God’s promises and find our security in God alone.
The second reading from the Letter to the Hebrews is also a message of encouragement to persevere in faith. The purpose of the Letter to the Hebrews is to strengthen the faith of Christian Jews tempted to revert to their former worship. The author wants them to see how infinitely superior Christian worship is to Jewish worship, how far above all Jewish high priests is Christ our High Priest. He contrasts the repetitive sacrifices of the priest of the Old Covenant with the singular, perfect sacrifice of Christ. Unlike the repetitive sacrifice offered by priests under the old covenant, Jesus offered a single, perfect sacrifice which has accomplished the remission of our sins, our sanctification and opened the way for us to enter the heavenly sanctuary which the sacrifices of the priests of the old covenant could not do.
The gospel today is about the importance of being prepared for the end of time, not through fear but through a life of faith, hope and love. Jesus emphasizes that no one knows the exact time or day or year the end will come. The announcement of the cosmic disturbances and tribulations that will precede the coming of the Son of Man refers both to the tribulations and persecution that will come and the assurance of God’s sovereignty. It is to help us to remain vigilant, faithful, and hopeful as we anticipate the return of the Son of Man and to be assured that despite the chaos, God is in control and his promises will be fulfilled, and his ultimate victory is certain.
The liturgy today challenges us to be vigilant, to live righteously and be ready to meet our Lord any moment he calls. This calls for constant self-examination, striving every day to deepen our faith and commitment to God whose promises are forever sure and whose ultimate victory is certain.
Happy Sunday,
Fr Chidi Onwuka, m.ss.cc