33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time (“B”)
Q. 711: Why are the gospel stories about the “end times,” like today’s from Mark’s gospel (Mark 13:24-32) always so scary? (Return to INDEX page of "Didja Know?" series)
November 18, 2012
A. 711: The verse that immediately follows today’s gospel segment begins with a conclusion, as a lesson for us all to learn from the stern warnings that Jesus is issuing about the end times: “Be Watchful! Be Alert!” (Mark 13:33 – NAB, RevEd). Actually the warnings from Jesus are not meant to frighten us. Instead, they are common sense exhortations and an encouragement from Him to each one of us.
He is giving us a needed reminder to examine our priorities. We should not have to wait for things to go badly (and in a sick and rebellious culture like ours, can they go any other way?). Rather, it is critical that we examine our priorities every single day. In what or in whom does our “heart” have its focus? What or who is the center of our life? Does our first attention almost always consist of an attachment to the things of this world (our treasure, our talents, and our time)?
Take that last one, for example: “time.” How much time do we set aside every single day to be with Jesus privately in prayer, both speaking to Him and listening to Him? Perhaps our record is not very good in that area? That makes it very easy to identify the “attachment” that has its grip on you, the obstacle that stands between you and Jesus on your spiritual journey. Perhaps there is more than one obstacle. Could it be too much TV time? Now, be honest: how many minutes do you give to God in private prayer, and how many minutes to you give to TV programs? (And no, EWTN does not count as private prayer.)
There is always a call to seek forgiveness for our stinginess with God. Today’s gospel reminds us that there is also a need, a really big need, to see what action remains for each one of us to take right now to renew our efforts to “be watchful, be alert” as Jesus desires. Then let that chosen action become a habit, as we try to remove those stumbling blocks from the path of our journey back to God. Trust in Jesus; He is walking with you!
KNOW YOUR CATECHISM! According to the Lord, the present time is “a time marked by distress and the trial of evil which does not spare the Church and ushers in the struggle of the last days. It is a time of waiting and watching.” (CCC 672)
Deacon Paul Rooney
Mary Our Queen Parish, Omaha
(Go back to Deacon Paul's HOME PAGE)
