Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time
Intention: That those entrusted with the care of the children and young people of our world will be to them channels of God’s wisdom, compassion, fidelity, and love.
Today’s Gospel | Mark 13:24-32
Jesus said to his disciples: “In those days after that tribulation the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from the sky, 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, and then he will send out the angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the end of the earth to the end of the sky.”
“Learn a lesson from the fig tree. When its branch becomes tender and sprouts leaves, you know that summer is near. In the same way, when you see these things happening, know that he is near, at the gates. Amen, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.”
From the Third Meditation for the Time of Retreat | Saint John Baptist de La Salle
Although Jesus Christ died for everyone, the benefit of his death is, nevertheless, not effected in everyone, because all do not make the effort to apply it to themselves. The response of our will is necessary on our part in order to make it effective. Although the death of Jesus Christ was more than sufficient to wipe out the sins of all and to be a complete reparation for them, because God has reconciled us through Jesus Christ, nevertheless, the grace that Jesus merited for us effects our salvation only insofar as our will is brought to correspond with it. It is up to each of us to achieve and complete the work of our own redemption.
Prayer
Eternal Father, to follow your Son, we must be prepared to share in the sacrifices and the sufferings that he faced. It is only with your help that we will be able to make our way through darkness and into the light. Help us to see all things through the eyes of faith, so that we will not succumb to discouragement or despair. Guide us with the power of your presence and the reassurance of your truth. We make this prayer through Jesus Christ who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.