LIVING IN HOPE AND FAITHFUL VIGILANCE AS WE AWAIT THE FULFILMENT OF GOD’S PLAN

 

Homily for the Thirty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B

Fr. Ugochukwu Ugwoke, ISch

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

Dear friend in Christ, as we approach the end of the liturgical year, the Church invites us on this thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time to reflect on the themes of ultimate realities: the end of time, the final judgment, and the fulfilment of God’s Kingdom. The readings offer us profound insight into God’s plan for humanity. They call us to live with vigilance, hope, and an unshakable trust in the power and promises of God as revealed through Jesus Christ, the High Priest.

In the first reading, we find the Prophet Daniel addressing a community under immense persecution, offering them a vision of hope. He spoke of a time of unparalleled distress but assured the faithful of divine intervention through Michael, the archangel, who stood as the protector of God’s people. The assurance we gain from this passage is that in moments of trial and persecution, God is with us.

The first reading also introduced the concept of resurrection: “Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake; some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt” (Daniel 12:2). This is one of the earliest references to bodily resurrection in the Old Testament, emphasizing that God’s justice transcends death. For the righteous, there is the promise of eternal glory: “The wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever” (Daniel 12:3). This vision of eternal reward assures us that faithfulness to God, even in the face of trials, will not go unnoticed. The promise of eternal life strengthens us to persevere, trusting that our names are written in the Book of Life.

In the Gospel reading, Jesus spoke of the end times, using vivid apocalyptic imagery: “The sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from the sky” (Mark 13:24–25). These signs reflect cosmic upheaval, signaling the coming of the Son of Man in power and glory. The central message here is not fear but readiness. Jesus emphasized that the exact time of His return is unknown: “But of that day or hour, no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father” (Mark 13:32). This unpredictability calls us to live each day with vigilance and faithfulness.

The parable of the fig tree that we find in the gospel reading illustrates the importance of discernment. Just as the changing seasons signal the arrival of summer, so too do the signs of the times call us to spiritual awareness. The parable of the fig tree calls us to attentiveness, to learn how to discern the signs of God’s activity in the world. Christ’s words, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away” (Mark 13:31), assure us of the permanence of God’s promises amidst the impermanence of the world.

As we reflect on these readings, we need to ask ourselves, are we prepared for Christ’s return? How are we living in vigilance, ensuring our lives align with His teachings and values? In a world consumed by materialism and short-term goals, we must learn to fix our eyes on the eternal destiny God has prepared for us. Let us use the remaining days of this liturgical year to examine our spiritual life and prepare our hearts to welcome Christ, whether He comes today, tomorrow, or in the distant future.

Lastly, let us keep in mind that earthly concerns are temporary, but God’s promises are eternal. Let us therefore renew our commitment to live as people of hope. May our hearts be attuned to the signs of God’s Kingdom, and may our lives reflect the readiness of those who await the return of the King. May God grant us the grace to persevere in faith and hope, so that we may shine like stars in the Kingdom of Heaven. Amen.