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 33^rd SUNDAY, YEAR B: REFLECTION BY FR. JULIAN EKEH

THEME: BUT MY WORDS WILL NOT PASS AWAY

(Mark 13:24-32)

The call today is to hold unto God's word. In a world of many words. In a world of many voices. In a world of numerous signs and wonders. In a world shrouded with darkness. In a world shaken by many powers. In a world blown by different kinds of wind. In a world that seems to be coming to an end. God turns our attention to His word.

In a world where the only news is bad news. The Lord wants us to hear Good News once again. The Lord wants us to consider the things that will end, the things that will pass away and take seriously the one thing that will never pass away: the word of life. He wants us to know that He is not far. He is near. He wants us to know that we shall see His goodness in our generation. All He promised us shall come to pass. Thus, let the changing and transient things of this life not kill us. Let them not kill our joys. Let them not blow our minds away.

We are invited to look back and consider the many things that have come and gone, the many glories that never lasted, the many powers that commanded respects in the past. The gadgets and technologies that trended in the past. Where are they today?

Where are those lands for which many killed? Where are the electronics for which many stole? Where are those sophisticated stuffs which people exchanged their bodies and souls for?  They all have passed away. A lot are still passing away. Let us go for what matters.

 

WHAT ARE YOU FACING NOW?

Darkened sun?

The sun is not meant to be dark. It is not in its nature not to shine. The darkness will not last long. The word of the Lord will surely at the right time thunder: Let there be light! There must be light. Child of God, the sun with rise once more in your life. Hope in the Lord. Hold unto the Son of God the source of the sun.

 

Moon without light?

The night in your life cannot remain without light. The light made for your night must illuminate your environment again.

Are you worried that you have all it takes to bloom, but you are not as great as you're supposed to be? Are there forces overshadowing your glorious manifestation? They, too, must pass away. Do not be overpowered by the agents of darkness. Their tactics will fail someday.

 

Falling stars?

God forbid! May your star never fall. The stars of the society, of the Church, of your marriage, of your family. Your stars will rise again. Your voice must be heard again. The star of holiness, of patience, virtues, of grace. These must shine out. Sin should not rule for long in your life.

Those children of yours raised in Christian values should not fall from grace to grass.  Your sacramental life will shine again. The enemy of your salvation shall fall down. His rule and intimidation will not last. That too shall pass away.

 

Shaken powers in heaven

Michael and his fellow princes in heaven will wage a spiritual battle on your behalf. The time for heavenly silence will soon be over. There is hope of success in the battles you are facing. The heavenly powers will overcome the evil political powers, the diabolical powers. The many wars the devil thinks he has won will be turned around by God. The days of stranglehold will be over.

Therefore, stop bragging about any power you have that doesn't glorify God. Stop being arrogant because of your physical beauty. Stop crushing people with your wealth. Stop using your intelligence and position wrongly. They will all pass away in a short while.

 

THERE IS HOPE

The Lord Jesus assures that He the Son of man will come with power and glory. He is coming with divine assistance and angelic help.

Deliverance shall come from four corners of the earth, even where there seems to be no way, God will make a way. This is His word that will not pass away. Christ is the only hope of the word in crisis. Let's not let go of Him. He insists that there is hope. When He has eliminated the powers fighting against His children, there will be restoration of joy. His word is everlasting upon those who hold him in fear.

 

Fallen fig

The fig falls to bring forth new growth. You shall grow again. The Better you will come. New grace will blossom, new joy shall spring forth. Your summer is near. True rest is on the way. Holy joy will soon be felt. By those who fail to allow the tribulations to break them.

 

HOLD UNTO CHRIST THE WORD, THE LIGHT

Welcome Christ in your life. Don't let his word pass from you. Open the gates of your heart and let him come in. You can't afford to lose Him.

What are the things, the feelings, the thoughts making you lose grip of the Most High, His plan for you, His holy will for you, say no to them all.

Dear Child of God, disconnect yourself from that power promising you heaven on earth. Refuse to be held down by evils of this generation. Reject the ephemerals of this life driving you crazy.

Do not forget the word of the Lord. Do not forget the instructions of your Saviour. Do not allow either the joys or sorrows of life to make you pay attention to the enemy of your salvation.

Use the word of God as your lamp and staff. You will not regret it. It will not disappoint you. That Word is living. That Word is God. That Word is Christ. The word heals, restores, blesses, and saves.

Let us listen to that Word. Let us speak that Word. Let us live the Word. Let us not allow it to pass away, even as the enemy wants to snatch it from us.

The word of God for you today is that you will live and overcome the evil world.

LET US PRAY

We thank and worship You, Oh Lord, for revealing to us the things that will pass away. Give us the grace not to allow ourselves to be carried away by them. May we hold firm the secret key to fulfilment, which is Your word. May we be blessed by Your Word that we hear and eat as food today and forever. Amen.

Happy Sunday (33rd Sunday, Ordinary Time, Yr B)

Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh