All’s Well That Ends Well

Thirty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reflecting on the Word

By Rev. James A. Wallace, C.Ss.R.

The end of the church year directs our attention to what scripture says about  the end of time. Two of the words used to describe these texts are not part of  our ordinary vocabulary: apocalyptic, which refers to receiving a “revelation” in a  vision of something concealed up until now, and eschatological, which points to  events of the endtime or final age (the eschaton), when the evil powers make their  final struggle with God and are defeated. 

These readings have one important point to make: that all will be well. God  is in charge, even when it seems that everything is coming to a catastrophic end.  As we hear in the first reading today, God has designated the angelic guardian  Michael to watch over the people. Such a time will prove that how one lives life  has consequences. The book of Daniel offers a word of consolation to the wise  and those leaders who championed God’s justice. 

In the Gospel Mark’s Jesus speaks of the coming of the Son of Man in great  power and glory. While Jesus indicates in Mark’s Gospel that this would happen  soon, such was not the case. We continue to wait on the Lord. 

When we pray the Our Father we always say, “Lead us not into temptation but  deliver us from evil.” Someone asked recently why we pray that God not lead  us into temptation, finding it strange to think of God doing such a thing. What  we pray for is that God not let us fail in the final testing that everyone has to  undergo. 

Consider/Discuss

  • Does the idea of an “endtime” have meaning for you? 
  • Do you find comfort in the message of these texts or do they evoke  another response? 

Responding to the Word

Loving God, you created all that is in the heavens and on the earth; we know  our future is in your hands. Help us to entrust ourselves to your mercy and care.  Do not allow temptation to overwhelm us, but send your Spirit to lead us into  your kingdom, where your Son reigns forever and ever.

Living the Word logo

Copyright © 2021, 2020, 2019, 2012, 2011, 2010 World Library Publications, a div. of GIA Publications, Inc. www.giamusic.com
All rights reserved. Used by permission.