Readings: Daniel 12:1-3, Ps. 16:5,8-11, Hebrews 10:11-14,18, Mark 13:24-32
“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. But about that day or hour no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.?” (Mark 13:31-32)
With our celebration of the Feast of Christ the King next Sunday, we are saying bye-bye to this liturgical year. Even the end of this year teaches us one lesson: “Whatever has a beginning must also have an end.” As the end approaches, today’s readings have been carefully selected to help us reflect on the end of our lives.
1. What is Death?
Death is a separation of the physical body from the soul, a separation from the world of human beings, from loved ones, and the everyday business of life. With every separation, we are given a chance to taste death, for instance, when we suffer from heartbreak. Even our sleeping and waking every day is a preparation for the ultimate sleep of death.
The number of our age is not only an achievement but also a reminder of how close we are to death. Death is part of what makes us human beings. Our bodies are not designed to last forever. Our first reading today speaks of how we shall sleep in the dust of the earth. Death is inescapable.
2. The Fear of Death
As children, we often lie when asked our age. We increase it as much as possible. But as adults, we lie again about our age, reducing it to the barest minimum. Why do we do this? The fear of death or, better put, our desire for self-preservation. We don’t want to know how close we are to our death. We are scared of death.
Far from prophecies of the world's end, today’s readings were intended to give consolation and relief to those who knew they would soon be killed for their faith. The only way to overcome the fear of death is to prepare for it. Today’s Gospel acclamation says: “Watch at all times, praying that you may be able to stand before the Son of man.” (Luke 21:36)
3. How do we prepare for Death?
The first step in preparing for death is accepting the fact that we cannot escape death. Do you notice that Daniel in our first reading and Jesus in our Gospel passage did not shy away from the fact that we shall die? Death is a reality no one, no matter how holy, can escape.
The second step to prepare for death is to become one of the wise ones whose names are written in the Book of Life. Daniel speaks about the wise shining like the brightness of the sky. To understand what Daniel meant, let us remember what Jesus said to Nicodemus:
“And this is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. For everyone who does evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who does what is true comes to the light, that it may be seen that his deeds have been wrought in God.” (John 3:19-21).
Daniel was talking about the brightness of good deeds: our holy life, our love for one another, our rendering of help to the needy, our genuine worship of God, our faithfulness to sound Christian living, etc. These good deeds are lights amid the darkness of sin enveloping our world today. If we don’t start shining now, we will not shine when we die.
The third step in preparing for death is turning many to righteousness. Apart from merely trying to be good, we must devote our time and resources to rescue as many people as possible from the darkness of sin. Jesus said in Mark 16:15-16, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation. He who believes and is baptised will be saved, but he who does not believe will be condemned.” Heaven is not for selfish people; we stand a better chance of going to heaven when we carry others.
4. When do we start preparing for death?
This is the question Jesus set out to answer in our Gospel reading today. From describing how the world would end, Jesus talked about when we are to start getting ready. He says: “From the fig tree, learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender…you know that summer is near.” Jesus is saying: NOW IS THE TIME TO GET READY. As for the date when the world will end, no one knows, but as for you, start preparing now, and no more procrastination.
Conclusion. Death is sweet only when we prepare for it. Let us begin to live not as people trying to avoid death but as people who look up to death as an opportunity to start enjoying a better life.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, help us to shine with goodness and brightness by a holy life. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Daniel 12:1-3, Ps. 16:5,8-11, Hebrews 10:11-14,18, Mark 13:24-32).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu