First reading Daniel 12:1-3
Some will wake to everlasting life, some to shame and disgrace
‘At that time Michael will stand up, the great prince who mounts guard over your people. There is going to be a time of great distress, unparalleled since nations first came into existence. When that time comes, your own people will be spared, all those whose names are found written in the Book. Of those who lie sleeping in the dust of the earth many will awake, some to everlasting life, some to shame and everlasting disgrace. The learned will shine as brightly as the vault of heaven, and those who have instructed many in virtue, as bright as stars for all eternity.’
Responsorial Psalm 15(16):5,8-11
Preserve me, God, I take refuge in you.
O Lord, it is you who are my portion and cup;
it is you yourself who are my prize.
I keep the Lord ever in my sight:
since he is at my right hand, I shall stand firm.
Preserve me, God, I take refuge in you.
And so my heart rejoices, my soul is glad;
even my body shall rest in safety.
For you will not leave my soul among the dead,
nor let your beloved know decay.
Preserve me, God, I take refuge in you.
You will show me the path of life,
the fullness of joy in your presence,
at your right hand happiness for ever.
Preserve me, God, I take refuge in you.
Second reading Hebrews 10:11-14,18
When all sins have been forgiven, there can be no more sin-offerings
All the priests stand at their duties every day, offering over and over again the same sacrifices which are quite incapable of taking sins away. He, on the other hand, has offered one single sacrifice for sins, and then taken his place forever, at the right hand of God, where he is now waiting until his enemies are made into a footstool for him. By virtue of that one single offering, he has achieved the eternal perfection of all whom he is sanctifying. When all sins have been forgiven, there can be no more sin offerings.
Gospel Mark 13:24-32
The stars will fall from heaven and the powers in the heavens will be shaken
Jesus said to his disciples: ‘In those days, after the time of distress, the sun will be darkened, the moon will lose its brightness, the stars will come falling from heaven and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory; then too he will send the angels to gather his chosen from the four winds, from the ends of the world to the ends of heaven.
‘Take the fig tree as a parable: as soon as its twigs grow supple and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. So with you when you see these things happening: know that he is near, at the very gates. I tell you solemnly, before this generation has passed away all these things will have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
‘But as for that day or hour, nobody knows it, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son; no one but the Father.’
___________________________
The call to live a meaningful life of love
The gospel passage of today is full of vivid and frightening images and words. Jesus paints a picture of doom and gloom because He wanted to remind us that our physical life and everything here on earth will come to an end. We tend to live as though we are meant to live forever, but the reality is that we will meet death one day. Thus, Jesus wants us to reflect on how we can live our lives here on earth each day with meaning and purpose.
We are called to live a life of love and service. Today, the Church celebrate World Day of the Poor. Who are the poor? They are people who find themselves living on the fringes of society, such as the migrant workers, the unemployed, those living in debt, the elderly living alone in nursing homes, the homeless, etc. If we want to live a truly meaningful life, then let us open our eyes and “see Jesus in the poor and to serve Jesus in the poor” (Pope Francis, World Day of the Poor homily, 15th November 2020).
Question for reflection:
How can I serve Jesus in the poor today?
How can I serve Jesus in the poor today?
Acknowledgment: Reflections are based on “Prayer for Living: The Word of God for Daily Prayer Year B” by Sr. Sandra Seow FMVD.
