Saint Rita Catholic Church and School in Webster, NY - An Introduction to the Sunday Scriptures

“But Of That Day Or Hour, No One Knows"

On this second to last Sunday in our liturgical year, the Church turns our attention to the Last Things - death, judgement, heaven and hell. Before we begin with our season of Advent, it is good to ponder our mortality and the passing of all things.

In our first reading (Daniel 12:1-3), we hear a very clear description of the resurrection of the dead and everlasting life. Its purpose was to promise final deliverance of God's people who are faithful, while others will meet "everlasting horror and disgrace." This vision offered hope to those who were suffering great persecution - just as it should for us today. “The wise shall shine brightly like the splendor of the firmament.” We are also reminded that the Archangel Michael is our protection from evil—remember the prayer: “St. Michael, the Archangel, defend us in battle. . . .”

In our Epistle reading (Hebrews 10:11-14, 18), we hear another comparison between the earthly priests of Israel and our eternal high priest, Jesus, who offered one sacrifice for sins and then “he waits until his enemies are made his footstool.” Jesus’ perfect sacrifice for our sins is offered once; there need be no further offering for sin. It is through the Eucharist and the Mass that we continually participate in the re-presentation of this sacrifice.

In our Gospel reading (Mark 13:24-32), Jesus borrowed from another one of Daniel's visions (Daniel 7:13-14) as He said, "you will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds". Jesus was describing first, the coming destruction of the temple in Jerusalem “in that current generation”, which happened in 70 AD, and then His second coming at the final judgement. “But of that day or hour, no one knows….but only the Father.”

As we begin to prepare for the close of our liturgical year and look forward to preparations for the awesome and glorious incarnation of Jesus at Christmas, we should keep in mind that God's will unfolds according to His eternal plan. Nothing is happenstance for God. The ultimate triumph of good over evil has been ordained since the beginning of time.