Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time; Holy Trinity, St. Micheal

Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time; Holy Trinity, St. Micheal

Dn 12:1-3, Heb 10:11-14, 18, Mk 13:24-32

The End of Time and Our Eternal Choices

Irish Joke: Priest: Please, be ready and prepare for the day of the Lord, because next week, someone in our parish might die suddenly. All were quiet and afraid. But…

Lady: laughing so hard in front of the priest

Priest: what is wrong with you, lady? It is funny that someone will die suddenly in our parish.

Lady: Father, I am sorry for your parish; I am just a visitor; I am not from this parish

I am a visitor priest also;

Introduction: I’ve been having fun playing pickleball at my parish, Our Lady of Assumption. While playing, I realized that every game must come to an end. The score determines the winner and the loser, and once the game is over, there's no changing the outcome. Sometimes, we wish we could go back and fix things, but we can't. The game is finished, and the final score is set. Just like in life, there will come a time when our "game" is over. At that point, nothing more can be done to change the outcome.

Reflection on the Readings: The readings for today invite us to think about the end of time and the judgment of our lives. In Daniel 12:1-3, we hear about a time of great distress, but also the promise of deliverance and resurrection for the faithful. It’s a reminder that the stakes of our choices are eternal. In Hebrews 10:11-14, 18, we are told that Christ’s sacrifice has completed all that was needed for our salvation, and no further offerings are required. What He has done for us is final. Lastly, in Mark 13:24-32, Jesus speaks of the signs of His return and warns us to be vigilant, as no one knows the exact day or hour. "But of that day or hour, no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father." This reminds us that the end will come—whether we are ready or not.

The Point I Want to Make: There will come a time when the "game" is over. Just like in a sports match, once it ends, there is no going back. We may think, “I’m good enough; I’m a good Catholic, a good person,” and assume we’re saved because of what we have done or who we are. But remember, we are not the judges of the game—God is. He alone decides the outcome of our lives. The truth is, salvation is not based on what we think of ourselves or what we have; it is based on who God is and what He has done for us.

The Choice Is Ours: Here’s the truth: we must decide now whether we want to go to heaven or not. Every choice we make leads us either toward God or away from Him. There is no middle way. St. John Vianney said there is no "middle way" in the spiritual life. Every decision either draws us closer to God or distances us from Him. The choices we make today affect our eternity.

The Good News: The good news is that as long as the game is still being played, as long as we’re still breathing, God is ready to work with us, to help us, and to pour His grace upon us. Jesus wants us to shine like the stars. As Daniel says, "The wise shall shine brightly like the splendor of the firmament, and like the stars forever."

What can we do? It’s simple: just open your heart and let Jesus work in you. Let Him love you. Let Him help you play the game of life. Jesus wants us to win more than we even want to win ourselves. He’s already paid the price for our victory on the cross. He’s always working for our good, even when we don’t see it.

Conclusion: So, as we continue this journey of life, let us remember that every decision matters. At the end of the game, may we be able to say with St. Paul, “I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith” (2 Tim 4:7). When the game is over and we face Jesus, our true partner, may we say, “Thank You, Lord, for the 'Good Game.'”

Final Prayer: May God give us the strength to remain vigilant in faith and the courage to live with His light. When the game is over, may we stand before Him with joy and say, “I have played my best.” Be watchful and pray for the strength to stand before the Son of Man. May we all have a “good game.” May God bless us all!