Chaos is an Opportunity to be Spiritually Alert

33rd Sunday in  Ordinary Time | November 14, 2021 |

Sunday Readings: Daniel 12:1-3, Hebrews 10:11-14,18 & Mark 13:24-32

The recent pandemic of Covid 19 has shaken the entire world. Life was not the same. We were instructed to be safe.  We had to follow specific standard operating procedures like sanitizing, washing hands, wearing a mask, and more.

People called this the new normal. It's not just this and that we had religious interpretations from specific text trying to tell us that this was already envisioned many years ago.  And now here we are in the midst of this chaos and confusion.

Today's Gospel tells of the end times.  If we take a closer look at the text, we read of words like in tribulation and sun will be darkened, the moon will not give its light and the stars falling and powers in heaven shaken, etc.

These cosmic entities are doing just the opposite like sun has to produce light but now it's going to be darkened. 

Jesus chooses to speak in these words reminding his listeners to know that it's time to change their pagan ways.  Jesus wants the disciples to  be prepared or vigilant or alert for the Son of Man coming in the clouds.

A very mystical presentation with a possible reference to the Book of Daniel 7:13-14. Jesus is refering to himself.

Towards the end,  Jesus takes the opportunity to teach his people a lesson from the world of nature. Once again reminding us all that we have a responsibility to be alert before Christ second coming.  No one knows the date or time of year when this may take place. What is expected of followers of Jesus is to be prepared – always on  guard -  and constantly being vigilant.

The pandemic may go on or come to an end.  We don't let our guard down.  Rather we follow the safety operating procedures laid down by the health authorities.  We ensure our own safety and that of the other. The Sunday readings invites us to prepare for our eternal safety in heaven.