November 17th, 2024 - Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time

The readings this Sunday are all about the “not yets” of our journey of faith. The prophet Daniel describes a future when the dead will rise from their graves and receive what they are due -- rewards for the wise and holy and punishments for the foolish and wicked. This prophecy is endorsed by the gospel passage from St. Mark, which offers us Jesus’ vision of the end of the world (as we know it) and the last judgment that we all will face. As we wait in hope for his glorious return, we realize that we are all created for eternal life with God. And yet we are all sinners, redeemed but so imperfect. So, we must acknowledge in faith that we’re not yet there. We’re all a work in progress.  A week from this Thursday is Thanksgiving Day, a uniquely American holiday when families gather for a great meal, recalling precious memories and making some new ones. If we have not yet recognized how precious and sacred life is in all its complexity and wonder, doesn’t this holiday provide us with a golden opportunity to do so and give thanks to God?