November 15, 2015 — Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time
Dn 12: 1-3; Ps 16: 5, 8-11; Heb 10: 11-14, 18; Mk 13: 24-32
There is something fascinating about stars. Even though science explains them to us, identifies them, and makes us realize they can each be very different, our perception of them is the thousands of “points of light” in our night sky. Our readings today deal with Christ’s Second Coming, the end time. Part of the message in these readings has to do with our preparedness. If the Lord would come today, are we ready? Are our lives in order that we might be counted among those united with the Lord in Heaven?
The First Reading from the Book of Daniel speaks of the stars; comparing the night sky to wise and good people: “…the wise shall shine brightly like the splendor of the firmament.” Daniel reminds us that to be truly prepared, we must seek and find righteousness. “Righteousness” is defined as “behavior that is morally justifiable or right.” Nevertheless, the Greek word in the Bible that we translate as “righteousness,” as is often the case, means more than that. It deals with our conduct in relation to others also.
To be righteous we must aspire to goodness, but we also must follow the admonitions of Christ to love one another. When we look at the night sky, are we one of the stars, one who leads others to justice? Practicing stewardship helps us in that regard.
