Homily for Thirty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B, 14th November, 2021

 Homily for Thirty-Third  Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B, 14th November, 2021

Readings: Dan. 12:1-3; Ps. 16; Heb.10:11-14.18; Mark 13:24-32

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

ARE YOU PREPARED FOR THE END TIME? DO NOT LET IT TAKE YOU BY SURPRISED

Preparation they said, is the secret and foundation of every successful event. So, as a human person, there are two most important events in our life. One is well  known and prepared and are constantly celebrated, that is, our birthday. The other, which is the ultimate, is not known and less attention and preparation is being made for it, that is, the day of our death.  This reality is what Jesus is addressing in our Gospel passage today.

So, Jesus knowing how important this day is, instructed his disciples in our Gospel passage saying: “In those days, after the time of distress, the sun will be darkened, the moon will lose its brightness, the stars will come falling from heaven and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory; then too he will send the angels to gather his chosen from the four winds, from the ends of the world to the ends of heaven.

Here, Jesus emphasized on the need for us to be well prepared for the coming of God’s kingdom, warning us to read the signs of End Time event just as we are able to read the signs of nature, for failure to do so, we may find ourselves unprepared when the time comes. Little wonder we are told in our first reading to know that there is going to be a time of great distress, unparalleled since nations first came into existence. When that time comes, your own people will be spared, all those whose names are found written in the Book. Of those who lie sleeping in the dust of the earth many will awake, some to everlasting life, some to shame and everlasting disgrace.

And in our second reading we are told that Jesus Christ has offered one single sacrifice for sins, and then taken his place forever, at the right hand of God, where he is now waiting until his enemies are made into a footstool for him. And by virtue of that one single offering, he has achieved the eternal perfection of all whom he is sanctifying. Therefore, we must learn to sacrifice for the good of others despite the situation in our country and the world at large.

Dear friends, our life as Christians demands that we should be alert, we should be prepared at all times and be ready to make sacrifices. today we are called to be ready, we are called to repentance, we are called to embrace the new life the Lord is offering us. We are called to a life of constant struggle towards perfection in order to embrace the Lord whenever he comes. Therefore, preparation is the key word. Let us not be deceived when the world suggest to us that the day of death is not coming soon and so forget who we are, and then, the day and time will take us by surprise. Rather, let us be like that wise servant who is prepared at all times for the coming of the master. 

LET US PRAY, Lord God, we often failed to listen to your warnings concerning the things of this passing world and the need for us to stay awake and be ready for your coming, give us the grace and wisdom to be well prepared and ready to stand before you whenever you call us. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.  Happy Sunday and peace be with you.