Cycle B 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Dan. 12:1-3; Heb. 10:11-14, 18: Mk. 13:24-32

The passage from Mark 13:24-32 draws our attention to two profound truths: the certainty of the end and the uncertainty of its timing. It reminds us of the transient nature of creation and the permanence of God’s word. Jesus’ apocalyptic vision, filled with vivid imagery of cosmic upheaval, challenges us to reflect on our readiness for that day. Today, we will explore these themes, drawing support from the Old Testament, other religious traditions, and examples from both ancient and contemporary times. Ultimately, we are called to live lives of vigilance, rooted in faith, hope, and love.

Jesus begins with striking imagery: the sun darkened, the moon withholding its light, and stars falling from the sky. This description underscores the inevitability of cosmic upheaval, echoing the Old

Cycle B 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

 1 Kgs 17:10-16; Heb. 9:24-28; Mk. 12:38-44

Todays Gospel passage gives us two messages. 

In the first  section, Jesus warns against the scribes, who represent the religious elite of the time. These scribes wore long robes, relished greetings of respect in public spaces, and sought prominent seats at gatherings. However, Jesus reveals that their intentions are corrupted by selfishness and pride. They exploit the vulnerable, such as widows, using long, public prayers as a display of piety rather than genuine worship. His message to the crowd and His disciples is to beware of such hypocrisy, as those who misuse their position of spiritual authority will face greater judgment.

In the Old Testament, we encounter figures who, like the scribes, misused their positions of power. Hophni and Phinehas, the sons of Eli the priest, serve as tragic examples of leaders who abused their positions of authority. As priests in the house of the Lord at Shiloh, Hophni and  Phinehas were entrusted with leadingthe people

Cycle B 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time

Deut 6:2-6; Heb 7:22-28; Mk 12:28-34.

 

The central message of today's readings is the most fundamental principle of all religions. It is to love God in loving others and to love others in loving God.

In history we find thousands of people who have manifested their love for God even by sacrificing their lives.

On 3 June 1886, thirty-two young men, pages of the court of King Mwanga of Buganda, were burned to death at Namugongo for their refusal to renounce Christianity. In the following months many other Christians throughout the country died by spear or fire for their faith.

Initially, the young Kabacka had been impressed by Christianity: He liked what he saw and heard of the Christian message, and he also recognized that his people would benefit from the education and skills that the missionaries had brought with them.