Sunday Gospel Reflection, November 17, 2024: Of that day or hour, no one knows...

Of that day or hour, no one knows…
Do you worry about what is to come? 

    In the Book of Daniel, probably written during the persecutions of Antiochus IV Epiphanes in the 2nd century BC, the prophet speaks of a time unsurpassed in distress, but assures the people that those whose names are written in the book of truth shall escape. In his description of the cataclysm to come, the author was not speaking of eternal life, but simply of those who would survive past the events predicted: the wise shall shine brightly, and those who lead the many to justice shall be like the stars forever. Clearly, the author of Daniel believed his community needed reassurance about the future! 

    Jesus similarly offers reassurance to his disciples in Mark’s Gospel. Yes, tribulation will happen, he says, but they are not to worry themselves about the precise timing of the events: of that day or hour, no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. So, rather than stress over the future, get ready now! Don’t wait until later, until it’s convenient or imminent. Get ready now by recognizing who you are and what you have already: God is already at work in you. Even Jesus himself is waiting for the end times, as the Letter to the Hebrews tells us: Jesus took his seat forever at the right hand of God; now he waits until his enemies are made his footstool, that is, until we on earth have completed what he began and all, former enemies included, now serve him, know him, and believe in him, aware that he offered one sacrifice for sins, theirs included. Thus, all may be made perfect forever, consecrated, set aside for a holy purpose. 

    We gather daily at Mass to participate in Christ’s sacrifice for all. As Psalm 16 reminds us, only when we place ourselves under God’s care, allowing the Lord to direct our existence through prayer and Eucharist, can we set the Lord ever before us, confident that with him at our right hand, we shall not be disturbed. Thus, there is no need to worry about what is to come, for he shows us the path to life, fullness of joys in his presence, the delights at his right hand forever. Get ready! 

This post is based on Fr. Pat’s Scripture class.
Image source: www.wordclouds.com