XXXIII Sunday of the Year

STAY IN THE RACE

Daniel 12:1-3; Hebrews 10:11-14, 18; Mark 13:24-32

Readings for the XXXIII Sunday of the Year

For the movie Ben Hur, director William Wyler decided that, for the race at the end, Charlton Heston should drive the chariot himself rather than use a stunt double. Heston agreed and started chariot-driving lessons.

After days of practice and hard work, Heston told Wyler: “I think I can drive the chariot all right. But I’m not sure I can win the race.” Wyler said: “Charlton, you just stay in the race, and I’ll make sure you win.” 

 

We can feel with Heston; given the situation of our lives and world forget about winning the race, even staying in the race is tough! To each one, God says: “You just stay in the race, and I’ll make sure you win.” This is the message of hope and consolation in the Sunday readings. 

But where is the message of hope? The first reading from the Book of Daniel and the Gospel from Mark predict disaster! 

The first reading talks of “a time unsurpassed in distress since nations began until that time.” The Gospel text is often interpreted as announcing the end of the world. 

 

These are “apocalyptic” writings: symbolic and graphic descriptions that must not be understood literally. 

Further, after the catalogue of disaster comes the good news of hope: the Book of Daniel talks about a chosen group which will overcome the disaster, and lead many to justice; in the gospel, Jesus speaks about his coming in glory when he will “gather his elect” from all over. Both readings see beyond suffering-persecution-distress to a future of peace. The disciples of Jesus are to respond with faith and hope. God has not lost control of history but will bring things to a triumphant end. 

And what is the basis for our hope? 

We have the answer in the Letter to the Hebrews. The basis for our hope is the one sacrifice that Christ offered for the forgiveness of sins. This is what we celebrate at every Eucharist. 

The Lord invites you and me to remain steadfast through the turmoil in our lives. We ask ourselves: 

Will I stay in the race trusting that the Lord will stay with me and see me through? Will I look beyond the tribulation and respond with faith and hope?