Let’s explore some of the themes that we discover in the Mass readings for the 33rd Sunday of the Year.
1st Reading – Malachi 3:19-20a
The day is coming when all the proud and evildoers will be stubble that is set on fire.
For those who fear the Lord, there will arise a sun of justice with its healing rays.
Psalm – 98:5-9
“The Lord comes to rule the earth with justice.”
The world and all living things will rejoice in the presence of the Lord.
2nd Reading – 2nd Thessalonians 3:7-12
Paul recalls the example he set for the people, reminding them that if anyone was unwilling to work, neither should that one eat.
The people are exhorted to work quietly and eat their own food.
Gospel – Luke 21:5-19
While people are talking about the votive offerings and costly stones of the temple, Jesus tells them that the days will come when not a stone will be left upon another.
The Lord tells them that wars and insurrections will happen, but do not be terrified; his followers will be persecuted, but they will be given wisdom to speak before their adversaries.
Jesus points out that just as we pay attention to the changes in nature, we can also observe the changes in our hearts in order to be ready for the moment when our life on earth will end.
Here are some of the themes that we find in the Mass readings for the 33rd Sunday of the Year.
1st Reading – Daniel 12:1-3
Daniel has a vision that Michael, the great prince, will arise in a time unsurpassed in distress.
Some people will awake and shine forever, others will be an everlasting horror and disgrace.
Psalm – 16:5,8-11
“You are my inheritance, O Lord!”
The Lord does not abandon us to the netherworld, but will show us the path of life.
2nd Reading – Hebrews 10:11-14,18
Christ offered one sacrifice for sins by his perfect offering.
He now waits until his enemies are made his footstool.
Gospel – Mark 13:24-32
Jesus speaks of the cataclysmic events that will follow tribulation, where the Son of Man will come in power and glory and send the angels to gather the elect.
Learning a lesson from the fig tree, the Lord invites the disciples to discern the seasons of life and be ready, for no one will know the hour when it happens.
Here are some of the themes that surface in the Mass readings for the Feast of Christ the King.
1st Reading – Ezekiel 34:11-12,15-17
God will shepherd the people: tending, seeking, rescuing, healing, protecting.
God will also judge and separate the sheep rightly, between rams and goats.
Psalm – 23:1-3,5-6
“The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.”
God leads and refreshes, prepares and anoints, so that goodness and kindness will follow us.
2nd Reading – 1st Corinthians 15:20-26,28
Through one man (Adam) death entered the world; through one man (Christ) all shall be brought to life.
At the end, Christ will judge all creation, and the last enemy will be death.
The Son will then be subjected to God, who will be all in all.
Gospel – Matthew 25:31-46
When the Son of Man comes in glory with all the angels, he will judge all the nations, and he will separate them one from another, as a shepherd separates sheep and goats.
Our response to the hungry, thirsty, stranger, naked, ill, and imprisoned will be treated as if it were done to Christ himself – the accursed to eternal punishment and the righteous to eternal life.
The exhortation of the first reading to love one another serves as a ready reminder for daily life. For as the Lord cautions in the Gospel of Luke, the Son of Man will come at an unexpected time. May we take every opportunity to put love into practice!
Three Great Things 