33rd Ordinary (“B”)
November 15, 2009

Q. 554: The readings today seem to be all gloom and doom; where is the Good News?

A. 554:
Mark’s gospel quotes Jesus speaking about a coming earthly ordeal that will be worse than any since the beginning of creation (Mark 13:19). It will then be followed by a cosmic catastrophe of cataclysmic proportions (Mark 13:24-25). The prophet Daniel talks about a time unsurpassed in distress (Daniel 12:1). So the question is valid: where is the Good News?

As every teacher and student of scripture knows, when the prophets, evangelists, and Jesus himself want to really get our attention they speak and write in a style called apocalyptic. Unfortunately, misguided fundamentalists create distortions in the author’s intended meaning. This occurs through an erroneous belief that the literal words of apocalyptic writing are accurate predictions of actual events in the future.

In both the First Reading from Daniel (12:1-3) and the Gospel (Mark 13:24-32), we hear God’s promise that God has not abandoned them. Even though some folks may suffer persecution or oppression, the final victory will be won by God. In fact, it is only our eternal life with God that matters. So the message is clear: remain faithful! God is with you in your distress. God has already won the victory over sin through Jesus Christ.

Just look at the fig tree! After a long dark winter when it looks dead, the tree blossoms in the Spring – a sign of hope that new fruit will come from what was once apparently dead. Just so will God be faithful to his promises. If you remain faithful and trust in Him, he will bring you to eternal life, a time of perpetual Spring and happiness. In the meantime, regardless of whether you have an easy or a hard life, prepare yourselves for his second and final coming!

KNOW YOUR CATECHISM! Hope in the bodily resurrection of the dead established itself as a consequence intrinsic to faith in God as creator of the whole person, soul and body (CCC 992). Cling to your faith, because the Church must pass through a final trial that will shake the faith of many believers (CCC 675).

Deacon Paul Rooney
Mary Our Queen Parish, Omaha

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