33rd SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME B
LIFE EVANESCENT OR LIFE ETERNAL?
MK 13: 24-32
MESSAGE
Today’s Gospel speaks about life, focusing first on its fleeting nature. What is this kind of life? Recently, I came across three stories that illustrate this truth. One was about a young sports prodigy who contracted a virus during an international competition, returning home paralyzed. Another told of a teenage basketball player who suffered a massive stroke during a tournament. Finally, a grandmother I know, who had been ill for years, suddenly stopped eating, her memory weakened, and she preferred sleeping over communicating.
This is “life evanescent”—a life that, one day, will inevitably fade and come to an end. Life, as we know, is fragile and uncertain. We can never predict with certainty what the next moment or hour will bring.
However, the Gospel points us to a different kind of life: “life eternal.” While evanescent life is temporary and fleeting, eternal life is unending, enduring, and everlasting. Only Jesus, the Son of Man, has the power to give us this life. In the midst of turmoil, when everything around us or within us seems to fall apart, Jesus assures us that even if heaven and earth pass away, His words will remain. His promises never fail.
REFLECTION
Today’s Gospel may stir feelings of fear or unease, as we often cling tightly to the things of this passing life. But when we are confronted with the reality of life’s impermanence, let us instead hold firmly to our faith in the Lord. If we frequently say, “Lord Jesus, I surrender myself to You; take care of everything,” we will witness His power and glory at work around and within us.
