Church of the
Annunciation

1. Home
2. Father Gene's Homilies
3. 33rd Sunday Ordinary B

November 14, 2021

33rd Sunday Ordinary B

“Wait till your father comes home.” It was a warning from our mother to cease and desist, to calm down, to stop our rowdy behavior. Politicians, scientists, business leaders and advocates have been meeting in Glasgow, Scotland on the issues of climate change. They are making dire predictions of what our future may be unless we change our present behavior. We have in these two examples a style of preaching that, in the Bible, is called “apocalyptic.’’ The word means “unveiling.”

Daniel speaks of a future intervention of God in human affairs “at that time unsurpassed in distress.” Jesus speaks “of those days after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from the sky, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken.” The language is foreboding but when we attentively hear or read these verses, it becomes clear the purpose of the authors is not just to frighten us or to predict the future. Even Jesus acknowledges that he does not know the end time. “But of that day or hour, no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”

In the Bible, apocalyptic preaching or writing occurs at a times of present distress, disturbance, and persecution. The Book of Daniel is composed during the period of Jewish rebellion against Greek domination and desecration of the temple. Jesus is speaking to his disciples in the temple knowing the end is near. It is the last week of his life. The purpose of apocalyptic preaching is not only to catch our attention and forewarn us but to comfort us during times of trial. Daniel, speaking for the Lord, assures the Jewish community that Michael, God’s messenger, will arise as their guardian against the powers of evil. Jesus promises his disciples that 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.”  

The Letter to Hebrews (2^nd Reading) also has a note of apocalyptic reassurance. Jesus as the eternal high priest, at the right hand of God, will subdue his enemies, the powers of evil and darkness, and perfect all those consecrated to him and be a source of forgiveness.

The world as we know it is coming to an end. That has always been true. Things that seem so solid like relationships, job security, health, a stable culture all change and pass away. It is important to hear and read our Scriptures on this next to last Sunday of the year, not simply as threats but as promises. No matter what the time or place we live, God’s grace and truth abide as our protection and strength. God is with us in Jesus Christ. Jesus has made a solemn promise. “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.”

Previous:
32nd Sunday Ordinary B

Next:
Christ the King