Thirty-third Sunday of Ordinary Time (B) [Mk 13:24-32]
14.11.2021
The
Coming of the Son of Man
Readings: (1) Dan 12:1-3 (2) Heb 10:11-14.18
1. Theme in
brief
Hope
in the midst of fear and hopelessness
2. Focus
Statement:
Thoughts
about the end of the world and the end of our own lives on earth must fill us
with thoughts of hope and consolation instead of fear and despair.
3. Explanation of the text
Today’s
gospel text contains a mixed message of desolation and consolation, doom and hope. In it Jesus alludes to the end of the world and
to his Second Coming which will be preceded with frightening
signs such as darkening of the sun and moon, falling of the stars from heaven
and a great turmoil in the heavens (13:24-25). Here he uses the bleak imagery
and language that was commonly used by the Jews for the end of the world – called
“the Day of the Lord.” Though this imagery (called “apocalyptic literature” in
theology) is not meant to be taken literally, nonetheless, it symbolizes a
future period of trials, tribulations, persecutions and suffering for the disciples.
The
uncertainty of the meaning of this apocalyptic imagery is clothed with the certainty of
the Final Coming of the "Son of Man in the clouds” at the end of time
(13:26). In other words, this dark and frightful imagery of the ‘doomsday’ is
accompanied by the consoling light of hope. Jesus’ return in glory to gather
his chosen ones (13:26-27) is going to be an event of great consolation and hope
for believers like the tender leaves on the fig tree that signal hope of the
summer season’s arrival (13:28-29). Those who remain faithful to his
teachings in the midst of trials and tribulations shall be among the elect when he
will come with “great power and glory” (13:26-27). Mark instils in his readers
the hope of God’s final victory over the forces of darkness so that they will be
able to cope with the suffering to come in their
faith-journey.
The
Parable of the Fig Tree cautions the disciples to watch for the “signs of the times” (13:28). Just as they read the signs of the nearness of summer season by
observing the new leaves on the fig tree so also they should observe the
nearness of Parousia (13:29). Experts say that Jesus compares the future events
of history regarding the fall of
Though
the Lord’s Second Coming at the end of time is certain, the exact time is
uncertain. Jesus says that no one including himself or the angels know the
exact day or the hour of the end of the world. It is known to the Father alone
(13:32). Against all predictions of the exact date of the end of the world done
by some preachers even today, Jesus speaks of his ignorance about
it. As God’s Son, though he could have known about it, he did not want to know
because he wanted to grow in wisdom (Lk 2:52) just like any other human person does.
Otherwise, how could he be a human person like us?
4. Application to life
As
the Liturgical Year is coming to an end by next week, the Church, by choosing
today’s gospel text reminds us that the history of this world as well as our
personal history is gradually heading towards a consummation.
Jesus says that “heaven and earth” (meaning everything in the world as per Jewish expression) will pass away but his words will not (13:31). What
it means is nothing in our life is permanent except God, his promises and our
life with him. The more we are free from over-attachment
to this world and its affairs the less anxious
and fearful we become about the
future. We are destined to be with
God where Jesus is, to live in an everlasting union with God. Now we should be
convinced that our real country or homeland is
heaven (Heb 11:16; Phil 3:20). We are called to look beyond the present passing world. When we consider the impermanence of life, we should feel how foolish it is to put
our full trust in worldly things and think only about our own
food, shelter, clothing, work, business, comforts and enjoyment. After all, we
are not going to take anything with us at the end. Only God’s mission for which
we work and service done by continuing Jesus’ ministry on earth will last for ever,
and nothing else.
The
apocalyptic language used in today’s gospel text to refer to the end of the
world and the Second Coming of Christ (such as darkening of the sun and moon, falling
of the stars from heaven) has contrasting elements of fear and hope,
gloom and consolation.
Though the exact meaning of the apocalyptic imagery used for these dark and
bright elements is uncertain, nonetheless it symbolizes elements of darkness
and hope, shadows and brightness in our personal lives as well as in
the world’s situation at present. In spite of so much goodness in us, quite
often we do face the darkness of
temptations, trials, tribulations, persecutions, suffering, injustice, fears, human
frailty, sins and faults, hopelessness,
despair, depression, etc. When we observe the situation of our world, though
there is so much goodness and wonderful people in it, often we come face to
face with so much evil also that
frightens us. We are shaken by
signs of gloom and doom
such as global terrorism, the rapid spread of AIDS and Covid-19, diminishing
water-tables, depletion of the protective ozone-layer, global warming and
climate change, water and air pollution, the threat of wars and nuclear holocaust, unjust
and exploitative social structures, rampant corruption, etc. When we are badly affected by this evil, we wonder
whether our faith is vain, and whether the
As
the world is advancing further and further in all spheres, our fears also increase. I would like to compare all the frightening signs mentioned by Jesus in today’s gospel (in
apocalyptic language) to all our real or imaginary fears that sometimes might
take control of us. On the global level we are filled with fear of terrorist
attacks, horrible accidents, nuclear wars, economic recession, unemployment
triggered by the on-going pandemic, etc. On a personal level we have fear of misfortune,
unknown future, untimely death, opposition, rejection, losing
friendship and what not – fear of everything! In some societies people are
filled with a perennial fear caused by superstitious beliefs in curses and magical spells.
Social
scientists say that the root-cause of the superstitious beliefs such as magical
spells, witchcraft and sorcery is in human jealousies, anger, hatred, desire
for revenge and the fear of being harmed by others. They are caused by magical spells
is. There is so much negativity in all of us which is not healed. It comes out in
the form of curses and wishing evil on the so-called ‘bad people’. It is
people’s fears (real or imaginary) that make them believe in an evil power
behind every misfortune like illness, accidents, untimely death and other
natural or man-made calamities. Belief
in good and bad omens prevalent in some societies also generates fear. For
example, some believe if a cat (especially black one) crosses the way or street
when they travel (walk), it is a bad omen.
In
the midst of desolation and fear generated by the problem of evil and
superstitious beliefs centred on it, today’s gospel fills us with hope and consolation.
It speaks about the certainty of
Christ’s coming again in glory at the end of time to make us sharers of his
glory and to fulfil our expectations. This hope is symbolized by the fig tree,
which heralds the summer with signs of new and tender leaves. Since no one, not
even Jesus, knows the exact day or the hour of the end of time, instead of
calculating its exact date, we need to be serious in our Christian commitment in the present time and be faithful
in carrying out our responsibilities.
Personally for us, the end of time, applies first and foremost to our own
death. The uncertainty of the exact time of our death should motivate us to
live our life in such a way that it actually does not matter when this will
happen. It gives us the great task of making every day ready and fit to meet the
Lord face to face. Thus our whole life becomes a preparation to meet the King. If
we are faithful to the teachings of Christ, we shall be among the elect when Jesus comes in glory. Christian hope is the virtue by which we desire
heavenly kingdom and eternal life as our happiness,
placing our trust in Christ’s promises and relying not on our own
strength, but on God’s grace. We are commissioned to fight against all the
forces that poison hope, material and spiritual progress of humankind.
There are two great temptations against
the virtue of Christian hope:
despair at miseries of life and overconfidence in our own capabilities. They
are mainly caused by modern people’s inability to find meaning and purpose in life. Hope in
God and his promises is the grip which helps us cope with life’s trials, sufferings,
disappointments, frustrations and tensions. Failure to find meaning and hope in
life could be one of the main causes for an increase in suicide and divorce
rates, drug and alcoholic addiction, violent tendencies (even among children),
depression, deviation from and dilution of our call. When we place complete
confidence in our own wealth, power, status, success and achievement to gain
happiness in life, instead of trusting in God, a great hopelessness may set in
when we are not able to attain these ‘promises’ advocated by the modern world,
and when there is nothing else to hold on beyond these things.
Lack
of a deep faith is often the cause of fear when we face trials. When
our fears take control of us and rule over our minds, they keep us
chained and locked within the narrow space of our own selves. Instead of
allowing the Lord to direct our lives, we permit these fears to become an independent force that drives us
where we heart of hearts do not like to go. If we permit our imaginary or
unrealistic (baseless) fears to become our terrible masters, they may control
or drive us to wrong directions such as depression, disappointment,
meaninglessness, emptiness, etc. Instead of holding on to superstitious belief
in good and bad omens, we should consider loving relationship with God and neighbours, peace, unity, fellowship,
etc., as good ‘omens,’ and discord,
conflicts, groupism, fights, scandals, disharmony, unforgiving attitude, etc.,
as bad ‘omens’ or signs. Bad signs
herald doom for us, but good signs make us worthy to be among the elect when we
are gathered by God at the end of the world (or end of our earthly life).
Neither
curse nor evil spell cast by witches and sorcerers can affect a fearless,
psychologically sound or balanced person with a strong faith in God. Jesus has
won a victory over Satan and evil spirits by his
Resurrection. Now because of the Resurrection, for a firm believer in it,
Satan’s battery is down.
Satan cannot do any harm to firm believers, unless they recharge his batteries with their little or superficial
faith and fear-complex that makes them suspect the work of evil spirits
or evil people (such as witches and sorcerers at the time of misfortunes. Jesus
came to destroy the kingdom of Satan by the power of God’s Spirit and establish
the Kingdom of God among us – a new society where God’s power rules supreme
over evil power (Mt 12:28). Since fear centres around losing something we value so
much – health, family, job, name, life – we need to develop a spirit of detachment, and learn everyday to return to God all that we
possess. To overcome our fears we need to get into the habit of repeating these
words as often as possible with a deep faith-surrender: “Hold me, Lord, in your
arms of love and do what you want with me.”
5. Response to
God's Word
Do
we suffer from over-anxiety and fear about the future? Who or what controls or
drives us: God or fear? Does the thought of death fill us with fear or hope? Do
we wait for the last days with fear and trembling or with eager longing and
joyful hope? What makes us hopeful and what makes us fearful? Do we worry more
about the end of time or about living good and holy lives? What are the bad
signs that make us unworthy and unprepared to meet the Lord whenever he comes?
6. A prayer
Cover
me, O Lord, with your holy presence and carry me under your wings. Hold me Lord
in your loving arms and keep me safe in your path. Into your hands I surrender
all my fears, sorrows and future. Amen.
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