Gulf Pine Catholic

Gulf Pine Catholic • November 12, 2021 5 9274 Hwy 49/Airport Gulfport, MS 39503 228-863-5525 1-800-880-2446 FAX: 228-863-9612 www.butchoustalet.com Predictions of apocalyptic events that would result in the extinction of humanity, a collapse of civilization, the destruction of the planet or the second coming of Jesus Christ have been with us a long time. From the birth of Christ to the end of 1999, it was predicted 135 times that the world would end. Leading up to the year 2000, the world’s entire internet structure was predicted to crash (Y2K). Businesses and individuals spent hundreds of millions of dollars on hardware and software backups, new systems, and protective devices. Additionally, at least twenty-one prominent individuals and organizations predicted the world would end on January 1, 2000. Some modern predictions of when the world will end include: 2020 will kick-off a 20-year process of slow demise of human civilization and Jesus is scheduled to return sometime between the years 2020- 2037. Future predictions take us all the way to 2280. This is an ongoing phenomenon that doesn’t seem to want to go away. Today’s readings contain apocalyptic images of end times, persecution, tribulation, and judgment that could easily frighten even the faithful if not understood in their proper context. Often proclaimed through dreams and visions, apocalyptic writings use symbols to reveal truths about the past, present, or future while providing hope and encouragement for people of faith experiencing upheaval or distress. Our first reading takes its name from its hero of faith, Daniel, who with his three companions, all devout Jews, were taken captive to pagan Babylon where they lived for seventy years. In the Book of Daniel, God’s constant help, power, and fidelity shows through their trials and triumphs. They refused to bow to pagan influences even at threats to their lives. Daniel used his magnificent God-given gift of wisdom to interpret dreams and thereby help a nation led by a pagan king to see the wonder and glory of the one holy and true God. Written around 167 B.C. to encourage the Jewish people during their intense struggles and persecutions, Daniel’s moral is, with the help of God, people of faith in every generation can resist temptation and conquer adversity. Moreover, Daniel takes the idea of resurrection to a new level from the prophets Ezekiel and Isaiah who spoke symbolically of redemption of a people in terms of a resurrection. In Daniel, as in Maccabees, the resurrection is real, not symbolic. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 992) explains, “God reveals the resurrection of his people progressively. Hope in the bodily resurrection of the dead was a consequence of faith in God as creator.” In Daniel the resurrection of the dead is proclaimed not only for martyrs as it is in Maccabees, but for all. The Church, too, in the light of Jesus’ teaching believes that all the dead will rise; “those who have done good deeds, to the resurrection of life, but those who have done wicked deeds to the resurrection of condemnation” (John 5:29). Today’s reading is an inspiring and poetic conclusion of the revelation given to Daniel in chapter’s 10 and 11. Despite personal, universal, or momentary sufferings, acting justly and remaining steadfast in faith assures victory to the believer. “At that time your people shall escape, everyone who is found written in the book (of life)” (Daniel 12:1c); “…the wise shall shine brightly … like stars forever” (Daniel 12:3). St. Teresa of Avila expressed today’s Psalm message beautifully when she wrote, “He who has God wants for nothing. God alone is enough.” Hebrew’s author reiterates the teaching given elsewhere in the letter to show consistency with the foundational truths of Christ’s sacrifice. In today’s reading he shows a stark comparison between Christ and the Old Testament priests by highlighting posture. The Old Testament priest literally had to stand in the presence of Yahweh, offering victims for the sacrifice repeatedly. Standing was the correct posture for servants and employees. So, the Old Testament priest every day went through the same motions and offered the same sacrifices. On the other hand, Jesus, after his Ascension (Psalm 110:1) is seated at the right hand of God the Father (indicating the position of authority by virtue of his one sacrifice). So fruitful is Christ’s sacrifice that those who take part in it worthily are perfected. They obtain forgiveness of sins, and union with God. There is no superstition here, no fear that being in God’s presence will bring condemnation or ruin -- the source of holiness in humankind is Christ’s sacrifice at Calvary. Chapter 13 of Mark’s gospel equates apocalyptic themes with promises of protection and victory for the elect who cling to messianic hope. Jesus couches his prophetic message in Old Testament imagery and language (see Daniel 9:27; 12:1, Isaiah 13:10, Ezekiel 32:7, Joel 2:10) familiar to his Jewish audience. Today’s gospel passage presents Jesus’ coming as Son of Man as the principal event for all of chapter thirteen. The certainty of His glorious arrival provides final proof of God’s victory over persecution and tribulation. Since the exact time of His return is unknown, His elect should live in expectant faith with constant watchfulness for the (gathering) angels. All events, times and seasons are subject to God’s order, yet we can choose to fear death or wait in joyful hope for the coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. As Son of Man, Jesus’, “coming in the clouds with great power and glory” (Mark 13:26) fulfills the promises made during his earthly ministry. Despite rejection, persecution and a merciless death, victory belongs to the resurrected Jesus and to those who remain vigilant with him. Those who believe in faith that our Lord will come again as promised, realize there is no reason for fearful or hysterical expectation -- no basis of truth for us to be alarmed. But that day by day our work must be complete. That we must so live that it does not matter when He comes. It gives us the task of making every day fit for the Lord to see, not doing anything for which we would be ashamed. It means we live the sacramental life of the Church from Communion to Communion, so that at any moment we are ready to meet him face to face. All and every stage of our life should be our preparation to meet the Lord. Deacon Ralph Torrelli lives in Hattiesburg and is assigned to St. Thomas Aquinas Parish. Visit his web- site: www.homilypearls.com. 1st Reading: Daniel 12:1-3 Responsorial Psalm: 16:5, 8, 9-10, 11 2nd Reading: Hebrews 10:11-14, 18 Gospel: Mark 13:24-32 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time The end is coming? Deacon Torrell i Sunday Scripture Commentaries