My thoughts are of peace and not of affliction, says the Lord.

 

My thoughts are of peace and not of affliction, says the Lord. You will call upon me, and I will answer you, and I will bring back your captives from every place (Jer 29:11-14).

Attentive participation in the Eucharist enables us to perceive the signs of the Kingdom of God among us. We need to be always alert so as not to be caught unawares. Let us celebrate the Lord, our refuge and our strength, who reveals himself in the assembled assembly and in everyday events. On this World Day of the Poor, let us renew our Christian commitment to be on the side of those most in need.

First Reading: Daniel 12:1-3

Sanctified by Christ in the midst of tribulation, the wise and virtuous will be gathered together by the Lord and will shine forever, like the stars in the firmament.

A reading from the prophecy of Daniel – 1“At that time Michael will arise, the great prince who stands for the children of your people; and it will be a time of trouble, such as has not been since the beginning of the nation. But at that time your people will be saved, all those who are found written in the book. 2 Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake, some to everlasting life, some to everlasting shame. 3 But those who have been wise will shine like the firmament, and those who have taught many the ways of virtue will shine like the stars forever and ever. – The word of the Lord.

Responsorial Psalm: 15(16)

Keep me, O God, for in you I take refuge!

1. O Lord, you are my inheritance and my cup, / my destiny is secure in your hands. / I keep the Lord always before me, / for when he is at my side, I will not be shaken. – R.

2. Therefore my heart is glad, † my soul rejoices with joy, / and my body also is at rest secure; / for you will not abandon me to death, / nor will your friend see corruption. – R.

3. You will teach me your path to life; † with you there is boundless happiness, / everlasting joy and joy at your side! – R.

Second Reading: Hebrews 10:11-14, 18

A reading from the letter to the Hebrews – 11Every priest stands daily to worship, offering over and over again the same sacrifices, which cannot take away sins. 12But Christ, after offering one sacrifice for sins, has sat down forever at the right hand of God. 13He can only wait until his enemies are made his footstool. 14For by this one offering he has perfected those he sanctifies. 18Now where there is forgiveness, there is no longer an offering for sin. – The word of the Lord.

Gospel: Mark 13:24-32

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

We must watch and be ready; / on what day the Lord will come, you do not know! (Luke 21:36) – R.

Proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Mark – At that time, Jesus said to his disciples: 24“In those days, after the great tribulation, the sun will be darkened and the moon will no longer give its light, 25the stars will begin to fall from the sky and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 26Then you will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds with great power and glory. 27He will send his angels to the four corners of the earth and gather God’s elect from one end of the earth to the other. 28Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch is green and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. 29So also, when you see these things happening, know that the Son of Man is near, right at the doors. 30Truly, I say to you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. 31Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. 32But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” – Word of salvation.

Reflection:

Using language appropriate for indicating the end of time, Jesus speaks to us of his glorious coming. These are not words to instill fear in Christians, but rather an assurance that God has dominion over the history of humanity. There were times in human history when everything seemed out of control, an uncontrollable chaos. This suspicion is dispelled when we know that everyone “will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with power and great glory.” With the parable of the fig tree, Jesus warns us to be vigilant and ready for any time he arrives, because he will “gather his elect together.” Therefore, let no one waste time speculating about how and when the end of time will be. This information is reserved only for the Father. A prudent and wise attitude is to live in continuous conversion and be faithful disciples of Jesus.

(Day by Day with the Gospel 2024)