Nov 16., 2024 / Features, General, Homilies, Soul Food
33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time | 2024
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There’s this story about a young lector, a beginner, who was reading in church to a big crowd for the first time. He was super nervous and had a difficult time getting through the first reading. When he finished, he accidentally shouted, “This is the end of the world!” (Of course he meant, “end of the word.” Then the whole congregation replied, “Thanks be to God!”
Someone once jokingly said that it is often those who are not certain, not clear about this life we live in now, who worry about the next. At first glance, today’s readings might seem focused on the afterlife, but the readings actually emphasize living fully in the present moment.
You may have heard the story of St. John Berchmans, a young Jesuit scholastic who passed away at the age of 22. When asked what he would do if he knew God would call him while he was playing football, he reportedly said, “I would keep playing.” I believe this reflects the idea captured by the Latin phrase ” Age quod agis,” meaning “Do what you are doing.” It encourages all of us, as followers of Christ, to be fully present and dedicated in whatever we are doing, even at the end of our lives.
As we approach the Feast of Christ the Eternal King, the Church encourages us to reflect on our readiness to welcome Him, not in the distant future, but here and now, as He is constantly present. The key message of today’s readings is to “watch.” Jesus reminds us that no one knows the exact time of His coming, chacitine the temporary nature of our world. Many people often forget that our time here is limited; and so they live as if, they will be here forever, perhaps accumulating possessions or harboring grudges. Yet, deep down, we all know that we are not permanent; our existence is fleeting and transitory.
Given the limited time we have, it is important to focus on living fully in the present, and aligning our actions, with God’s desires. Each of us has a unique role that only we can fulfill, and if we do not take action now, that part of our purpose will remain incomplete. The best time to embrace our calling is in this very moment. This present moment is the foundation for asking meaningful questions during spiritual direction and retreat: What moves you or stirs your heart? What brings you life? What do you truly want to dedicate yourself to? What do you desire most deeply? And what sustains you in times of suffering? To help us focus on the present moment is why we ask those questions.
The coming of the Son of Man is a call to unity, not division. By embracing God’s purpose and living fully in the present, we can rise above the fear of missing out, a struggle many young people face today. Our actions should flow from a genuine love for goodness, not from fear or the hope of personal gain. When we adopt this perspective, we discover true contentment and peace, freeing ourselves from the grip of fear and opening our hearts to a life of purpose and fulfillment.
The second reading highlights this selfless action and fearlessness, exemplified by Jesus on the Cross. He sacrificed himself for humanity, not for personal gain but to save us from self-absorption, from selfishness and show us the way to new life. Jesus’ life and death are models of unconditional love, inspiring us, moving us to follow His example.
Today, we are invited to shift our focus from a distant future to the profound reality of Christ’s presence with us in this very moment. Let us open our hearts fully to this sacred time, anchoring ourselves in His love, and letting our lives become a reflection of His grace and compassion here and now. Amen.
Homily delivered by Fr. Chris Dumadag, SJ
33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
16 November 2024 | Anticipated Sunday Mass
Cenacle Retreat House
