33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
Reading I: Daniel 12:1-3
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 16:5, 8, 9-10, 11
Reading II: Hebrews 10:11-14, 18
Gospel: Mark 13:24-32
During the time of Christ, astronomy was well developed in the Near East. One of the first visitors when Jesus was born were the ‘wise men,’ coming from the east. People believed that much of their fate was determined by these heavenly realities. They set their festivals or celebrations according to seasons and natural events. Even now, we still have remnants of such mentality in the power of heavenly bodies in the horoscopes or in the writings about extra-terrestrial experiences which some papers and magazines carry, no matter how incredible their claims may sound. No wonder, many people still set their date of their wedding on a day with a full moon, even though it cannot determine their future
It is in this frame of mind that Jesus deals with, in explaining his second coming. He will be the light of the world, the power that will rule the world. He will be the new creator. It will not be a matter of being born under the right star, but of accepting his glory and power. We do not have to entrust our destiny to heavenly realities. Jesus has come to change the direction of our life. He has the light to guide us in finding the meaning of life and the power to make us live up to it.
Efren Tomas
In 2004, Father Efren arrived on Maui, Hawaii to be the Pastor of Christ The King Catholic Church in Kahului, Maui until 2012. He calls Christ The King his home because this was his first parish in Hawaii.
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