November 15, Thirty-Third Sunday

You are my inheritance, O Lord!-- Psalm 16:1

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

Second Coming

In 766 B.C., the first recorded Olympic Games were held in ancient Greece, with just one event -- a 200 meter sprint. This was a local event. In 2004, people from all over the world gathered at Athens, Greece, (or in front of their television sets), to watch competitors from some 200 countries take part in more than 25 different kinds of sports. The 28th Modern Olympics was a global event.

Some 2,000 years ago, a baby was born in Bethlehem. Few people knew about it; fewer saw its significance. For the most part, the coming of God's Son took place quietly, humbly, locally. Today's Gospel reminds us of Jesus' second coming in great power and glory. This will be a universal event, accompanied by cosmic signs visible to everyone, everywhere.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, help me to prepare wisely and well for Your Second Coming.