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 33^rd SUNDAY, YEAR B: HOMILY BY FR. JUSTIN ADIELE

THEME: “THE END IS NEAR”

INTRODUCTION:

James Dean, an American actor in one of his famous quotes said; “dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.” Coincidentally, his life was cut short in a car accident at the age of 24 (Feb. 8, 1931 – Sept. 30, 1955), leaving him a lasting symbol of rebellion, youthful defiance, and restless spirit. Today being the second to the last Sunday of the Church’s liturgical year, we should start acting and living as if the end is near. This will make us quit every rebellion, every moral rascality, every faith defiance, and every restlessness and worldly attachments.

 

THE FIRST READING (DAN. 12: 1 – 3)

The first reading talked about the end of time, when Arch Angel Michael shall arise, when troubles will stir up in the world like never before. Then, those whose names are written in the book of life; those who have turned many to righteousness, whether living or dead, would be deliver into everlasting life. Consequently, as we talk of a hypothetical end of time this period, let us pause to ponder through a hypothetical evaluation of our lives, to make sure our names are written in the book of life; the book of the righteous.

 

THE SECOND READING (HEB. 10: 11 – 14. 18)

For three Sundays running, the second reading has continued to direct our attention to the priesthood of our Lord Jesus Christ which for all ages continues to sanctify and perfect all those who are called by his name (the sanctified). He remains at the right hand of the Father, interceding for us. But then, we have to continue to draw closer to Christ our priest through his ministers, continue to present ourselves before him, and continue to strive to live holy and better lives for his prayers/intercessions to work wonders in our lives.

 

THE GOSPEL READING (MK. 13: 24 -32)

The gospel reading also presented us with the end of time as when the Son of Man would appear and send out his angels to gather his elect from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens. This means that there would be a choosing/selection to be carried out. Not all would be chosen or gathered; but will you be among the chosen; will I be among the chosen? Do you think you have done enough good/right to be among the Lord’s chosen? There is only one way to find out; and that is living daily by the Saviour’s Word or gospel.

 

CONCLUSION

The end which no one knows the appointed hour is hypothetically and always near. We should periodically run a check on ourselves, on the quality of our life as Christians. We must quit every form of procrastination to straighten up our lives, our records, and our relationships with God and with our fellow men, so that there would be no condemnation or accusation against us from any quarters of our lives.

Happy Sunday!

Fr. Justin