THIRTY-THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

15 NOVEMBER 2009. This is it. Today is the last--the last Sunday in Ordinary Time. The Church calendar is now drawing to a close. You have felt it coming now for sometime--maybe it was the first cool day in September, or the first fall of leaves  in October--but, the passage of time is again taking us into the Season of Anticipation and then the Season of Joy. Yes, Advent and Christmas are not far off.

In reflection of today's last Sunday, today's readings also speak of the last times--using a theological term--today's Gospel is an eschatological explanation from Christ, Himself, of how the world as we know it will come to an end. And, as Christ says, no one knows the day or hour, except the Father.

However, what is also clear from today's mass is that Christ, our Salvation and the Word, wants to have a relationship with each of us. At His last coming Christ will "gather the elect from the four winds." All of the faithful, chosen by Christ, will be gathered, even those who have gone before. As the first reading says: "[m]any of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake." So, those that are faithful and destined to live in eternity with Christ, by His redemption, will be called individually by Him.

Be certain of this: Christ wants us to share eternity with Him. That is, after all, the purpose of this fleeting life. He would not draw everyone together at the last, if Christ did not want each one of us to join Him in eternity. That is why the first reading says that the Archangel Michael has been sent to protect the Church--the people of God. Saint Michael the Archangel is just one of the many protectors that God has given us, His people.

The Responsorial Psalm reminds us of the destiny that Christ has made possible for us--"You are my inheritance, O Lord." And, the second reading tells us that Christ the High Priest is unlike every other priest who offers the same sacrifices each day. Christ has made one sacrifice, through which the redemption of all humanity was achieved: "For by one offering, he has made perfect forever those who are being consecrated."

Praise Our Lord Jesus Christ for the salvation that He has given! Consider this gift this week as the Church prepares for the Solemnity of Christ the King next Sunday.