Homilies
Thirty–third Sunday in Ordinary Time
November 19, 2006
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What’s the Meaning?
Today’s readings for the Thirty–third Sunday in Ordinary Time are about our Final Judgment. In fact, they sere as the foundation for the Church’s teaching on the often–hyped topic.
Many people think of the Final Judgment as the time when individuals will be judged, but as the first reading hints, it is much more about history itself being judged. It will be the moment when truth about world events will be made known, a time when the hand of God will be seen in those events, why he allowed evil men to act as they did, what greater good came from such evil deeds.
To understand the Final Judgment story in the first reading, it helps to imagine the event actually happening. It’s not merely poetic imagery, but the mighty angel, Michael, really comes down to earth to execute God’s judgment. Corpses rise to be reunited with their souls, some going off to hell, some to heaven.
In the Gospel, Jesus continues with the theme of Final Judgment, and it is once again a world event. The sun and moon are darkened, stars are falling. Jesus comes down in the clouds accompanied by thousands of angels, the angels are then sent to gather all the elect (those in heaven and those on earth) to witness the judgment.
To better imagine the reality of this passage, it helps to know what the Church teaches about the Final Judgment. Here’s what the Catechism says:
On Judgment Day at the end of the world, Christ will come in glory to achieve the definitive triumph of good over evil which, like the wheat and the tares, have grown up together in the course of history. When he comes at the end of time to judge the living and the dead, the glorious Christ will reveal the secret disposition of hearts and will render to each man according to his works, and according to his acceptance or refusal of grace. (Catechism of the Catholic Church par 682–683)
The Epistle hints at the Final Judgment as well. Saint Paul tells us that Christ, the High Priest, is now at the right hand of God, “waiting until his enemies be made a footstool for his feet.” Christ is waiting for the Church on earth to pass through her final trial. Again, as the Catechism says: “Before Christ's second coming the Church must pass through a final trial that will shake the faith of many believers.” (C.C.C. par 675)
What’s the Message?
Perhaps the most important message that can be gleaned from today’s readings is the most obvious one: There will indeed be a final judgment.
Why is this important to remember? Because, if you’re like most people, you often hide the real intentions of your decisions and actions, thinking you will never be found out. Some of us do this so well, that we begin to think that the make–believe person we have created is real. We, like those who ultimately rejected Christ, become delusional.
But if we try always to remember that our secret evil intentions (and those of cardinals, kings, and presidents throughout the history of the world) will one day be made known to all, we might have a chance of coming back to reality.
Recalling to mind the truth of the Final Judgment will also help us ward off despair. We can hold with great hope that, one day, we will finally get to see God’s wisdom behind it all. Why he allowed our loved one to die. Why he allowed such horrific wars. Why he allowed millions of babies to be butchered in their mother’s womb. Why he allowed us to get so sidetracked with our lust for pleasure and power.
The message can be summed up this way: Live in reality and be at peace, for true justice will be established.
What’s the Response?
One good response to today’s readings is to stop being so consumed with bringing justice to the world. Weather it be the squabbles within our own parish (about which we love to gossip) or world events outside our circle of influence (about which we love to worry), today’s readings encourage us to spend our energy elsewhere.
It is often said that it is the devil who is first to point out an infraction of justice. So often, we are so prompted by justice that we forget about charity. We become so consumed by pride (adroitly hidden under the banner of justice) that we act against charity. In our supposed quest for justice, we ourselves often act most unjustly.
But by holding with certitude that Christ the King will eventually come down from heaven and establish justice, we can free ourselves to focus on the more important work of charity.
It is the devil who insists that you to take the offending party to court, it is the Holy Spirit who prompts you to forgive. It is the devil who urges you to lash out when you are hurt, it is Christ who reminds you to continue on your journey in peace.
As the Psalmist sings in today’s Mass, trust in the Lord will give us peace. We can begin our response to today’s readings, then, by praying with the Psalmist:
I keep the Lord always before me;
because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.
Therefore my heart is glad, and my soul rejoices;
my body also rests secure.
You show me the path of life.
In your presence there is fullness of joy;
in your right hand are pleasures for evermore.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end.
Amen.
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Contribution by Brother Anthony Myers
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