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33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
There are many websites out there that proclaim that we are close to the end of time; that the troubles of our not-to-distant past have been the events prophesied by many and written of throughout the Bible. These websites tell us how to prepare, what to watch for, etc. But on nearly every single website, you will find advertisements by Google or Yahoo. It is possible to have websites without advertisements; but if we are near the end of times, do these websites really need a revenue stream? If it is nearly over, does money really matter?
In today's Gospel reading from Mark, Jesus was sitting privately with Peter, James, John, and Andrew. They had been discussing the end of times, and the four disciples wanted to know how they would recognize the second coming of Christ. There will be wars and conflicts, he told them; this will happen but does not mean the impending doom. Rather, Jesus was most concerned about the destruction of Jerusalem and those who would proclaim to be Jesus Himself, performing acts that would cause a distraction among the people. We cannot be distracted; in keeping our faith and our trust in the Lord , we will easily recognize the coming of Jesus Christ.
We have absolutely no idea of how or when Jesus Christ will come again, transforming this world into one in which sin is dead and goodness prevails (CCC 1048). We are told to be ever watchful, however, and to do so means to surrender our hearts to God's love. As Catholic Christians, we believe that God loves each and every one of us despite our sins, and wants us all to be saved. And we also believe that "with God all things are possible."
"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." Mark 13:26-27
©2009 St. Mary of Mount Virgin Church.org Prepared by Digital Pro Quo LLC
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