Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Here are the readings for the Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time, November 18, 2012:

Daniel 12: 1-3
Psalm 16: 5, 8-11
Hebrews 10: 11-14, 18
Mark 13: 24-32

We are coming swiftly to the end of the liturgical (church) year, and the readings certainly reflect an emphasis on the end times! It can be tempting to get focused on, obsessed even, about trying to figure out (or even control!) what all this intimidating and yet poetic language might mean. Some people are quick to identify world events as signs of the end times.

Far from encouraging angst, I suggest that a prayerful reading of these Scriptures provides a reassurance that God is in control, is looking out for us, and has wonderful plans in store for those who believe (and whose beliefs are apparent in their actions).

• Do you think much about the end times?
• In what way does your relationship with God influence your feelings about the end times?

The topic for this Sunday's Catechumenate is The Last Things.
There will be no Catechumenate on November 25 (Thanksgiving weekend).