DAILY- HOMILY

November 17, 2013

33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year I

Memorial, Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, religious

Mal 3:19-20 / Ps 98: 5-6. 7-8. 9 / 2 Thes 3:7-12 / Lk 21:5-19

Malachi 3:19-20

The day already comes, flaming as a furnace. On that day all the proud and evildoers will be burned like straw in the fire. They will be left without branches or roots. On the other hand the sun of justice will shine upon you who respect my Name and bring health in its rays. You will come out leaping like fattened calves.

2 Thessalonians 3:7-12

You know how you ought to follow our example: we worked while we were with you. Day and night we labored and toiled so as not to be a burden to any of you. We had the right to act otherwise, but we wanted to give you an example. Besides, while we were with you, we said clearly: If anyone is not willing to work, neither should that one eat. However we heard that some among you live in idleness— busybodies, doing no work. In the name of Christ Jesus our Lord we command these people to work and earn their own living.

Luke 21:5-19

While some people were talking about the Temple, remarking that it was adorned with fine stonework and rich gifts, Jesus said to them, "The days will come when there shall not be left one stone upon another of all that you now admire; all will be torn down." And they asked him, "Master, when will this be, and what will be the sign that this is about to take place?" Jesus then said, "Take care not to be deceived, for many will come claiming my title and saying, 'I am he, the Messiah; the Time is at hand!' Do not follow them. When you hear of wars and troubled Times, don't be frightened; for all these things must happen first, even though the end is not so soon." And Jesus said, "Nations will fight each other and kingdom will op pose kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, famines and plagues; in many places strange and terrifying signs from heaven will be seen. Before all these things happen, people will lay their hands on you and persecute you; you will be delivered to the synagogues and put in prison, and for my sake you will be brought before kings and governors. This will be your opportunity to bear witness. So keep this in mind: do not worry in advance about what to say, for I will give you words and wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to withstand or contradict. You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, by relatives and friends, and some of you will be put to death. But even though, because of my name, you will be hated by everyone, not a hair of your head will perish. By your patient endurance you will save your souls.

Reflection

The gospel deals with a subject that can frighten many and can catch them off guard. The subject is the second coming of Christ. There is a warning for each one of us – be on guard, be alert. But how much are we like that little devil called Procrastination? We put it off. We feel we have plenty of time, we won't meet our maker now. But how do you and I know? Are we prepared? What if Jesus came today? What if we die unexpectedly with no chance for a last minute asking for forgiveness? Are we as ready now as we will ever be? Do we trust in Christ as our personal Savior?

Being a Christian is like being in a holding pattern on an airplane in the air over a busy airport. We circle and circle. We know eventually we will land, but when – we don't know. We wait and wait. Then all at once, the plane descends for landing.

As Christians, we are in a holding pattern for meeting Christ. When? We don't know. Are you ready? Only you and God know that. But have you thought about it in a serious way? Or do you take your relationship with Christ in a casual way, a take-it-for-granted way, no seriousness, no thought of how your faith life is growing and maturing with the help of the Holy Spirit? Are you in a constant state of preparedness?

In the last verse of the gospel reading, Jesus says: "But not a hair of your head will perish. By your endurance you will gain your lives." Jesus is assuring the disciples and us that while we are in this holding pattern, he will be with us giving us the courage, the strength, the confidence to remain faithful to him, to be his witnesses in spite of all the hardships or suffering that come our way. Because of his presence with us through the means of grace, the word and the sacraments through the church which is his body, we can remain faithful and at ease with the sure confidence that if Christ came today, this minute we would be prepared, we would be ready.

Yes, be cautious. Be prepared. Be assured.

Prayer Requests

We pray …

… for a deep and profound respect for life, especially for the unborn.

… for the speedy recovery and healing of

Lorenzo Meoli

Elsa Supsup

Mary Beth

Joy Droke

Ditas dela Paz, Toots Monfort, Virginia Hernandez, and Fleur Torres

… for all the prayer intentions in the MTQ Dailyprayer Diary.

Birthday: Atty. Aniano G. Bagabaldo

In Memoriam (+): Jose Atillo

… for families who are in need of healing

… for world peace and reconciliation.

Finally, we pray for one another, for those who have asked our prayers and for those who need our prayers the most.

Have a good day!

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