Photo of the altar crucifixion window

Meditate on God’s Word


Saturday, November 16, 2024 - Saturday, November 23, 2024
Holy Cross Parish

Illustration of Christ with arms outstretched

33rd SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
 

1st Reading:           Deuteronomy12:1-3
2nd Reading:          Hebrews10:11-14, 18
Gospel:                   Mark 13.24-32 – The Coming of the Son of Man & the Fig Tree

Contemplating the End

Today’s readings point our attention to the second coming of Christ and our final judgement. “Heaven and earth will pass away” and though no one knows when that day will come, we are all aware that it will indeed come. Each of us will stand before the judgement throne of God. Let us ask ourselves, will He be pleased with us and with the way in which we used the gifts He granted us?

Today’s apocalyptic message gives us a great opportunity to reflect on the meaning of our lives. We were not created to live solely for our time on earth. Rather, we were made for something greater. We were made for Heaven. The way in which we live our lives should reflect our eternal destination and not focus merely on this short earthly stopover.

 One beautiful way of life we can choose to adopt here on earth that will greatly prepare us for our heavenly home is that of stewardship. If we live our lives worthy of the call that Christ has given us, by being united to Him in prayer, being strengthened by the sacraments, and striving to offer our gifts to others, we need not fear judgment. We should instead rely solely on the mercy of God and do our part of being faithful stewards that are sustained by His grace. Let us decide today to recommit all the more fervently to our call of stewardship.


Summary

Today’s apocalyptic readings give us a great opportunity to reflect on the meaning of our lives and on own eventual day of judgement. One beautiful way of life we can choose to adopt here on earth that will greatly prepare us for our heavenly home is that of stewardship. If we live our lives worthy of the call that Christ has given us, by being united to Him in prayer, being strengthened by the sacraments, and striving to offer our gifts to others, we need not fear judgment.

https://www.archtoronto.org/stewardship

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