33 Sunday in Ordinary Time:
GOSPEL READING : Mark 13: 24-32
Jesus said, “In those days, after that suffering, 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. Then they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in clouds’ with great power and glory. Then he will send out the angels, and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven. “From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. “But about that day or hour no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.
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GUIDELINES TO HELP US TO MEDITATE ON THE PASSAGE SO AS TO RECOGNIZE AND CELEBRATE GOD’S PRESENCE AND ACTIVITY IN OUR LIVES AND WORLD TODAY. (Prepared by Volunteers from the Lectio Centre project) “In those days, after the time of darkness.” Can you remember a time when life seemed so very bleak? It may have been following the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, the loss of employment… and you found it difficult to struggle on. Life takes on a different hue, its brightness has faded. Then quite unexpectedly, something happens that shines a glimmer of hope in the darkness. It may be after listening to someone coming through similar circumstances, or an uplifting scene in nature, and you just know that you are going to be okay. “He will send his angels to gather his chosen from the four winds.” We remember doctors and nurses and humanitarian workers who go out to the war-torn areas of the world to bring comfort and healing to those afflicted by the aftermath of war. We offer a prayer of thanksgiving for their expertise and their care. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, We are conscious of the many environmental disasters and concerns of the modern world -extreme drought, forest fires, flooding, mudslides, freak weather patterns, animal and plant species nearing extinction. Many lives lost and people left homeless and devastated. Poor countries suffering while the affluent continue to pollute and plunder and deplete the earth’s resources. We thank you for Pope Francis and other prophetic voices challenging world leaders and governments to radical change, and calling each of us to play our part by disposing of waste properly, not running water needlessly, using reusable bags etc. Lord forgive us our sins of greed and indifference and nourish our hope that it is not too late, and that we can yet save our planet. |