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.
The sacrifices of the women in 1st Kings and the Gospel of Mark reveal the power of our lives when the intensity and object of our convictions lead us closer to God and one another, pointing out our willingness to follow the example of Christ’s once-for-all sacrifice on the Cross.
St. Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthian’s reminds us that each of us is a temple of the Holy Spirit of God, called to care for its proper building and maintenance.
Let’s explore some of the themes that we discover in the Mass readings for the 32nd Sunday of the Year.
1st Reading – 1st Kings 17:10-16
Elijah goes to Zarephath and he asks a poor widow for water and bread, even though she has only a little bit and after that she and her child will die.
At Elijah’s prompting, she gives him something to eat, and her supplies did not run out but lasted for a year.
Psalm – 146:7-10
“Praise the Lord, my soul!”
The Lord provides justice, nourishment, healing, and protection to those who call upon him.
2nd Reading – Hebrews 9:24-28
Jesus has entered heaven itself and his once-for-all sacrifice continues on our behalf.
When the Lord appears a second time, it will be to bring salvation to those who eagerly await him.
Gospel – Mark 12:38-44
Jesus warns the crowds about the scribes, stating that their love for prestige will lead to a severe condemnation.
The Lord then points out a poor widow whose two small coins in the treasury are more than the rich, not because of the amount of money, but because of the amount of her sacrifice.
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