Sunday Sermons

Pink Candle: it represents joy and anticipation of Christmas.
Readings:
1. Zep 3:14-18a: Song of Joy
2. Responsorial Psalm Is 12:2-3,4,5-6
3. Phil 4:4-7: Rejoice in the Lord Always.
4. Gospel Luke 3:10-18: what shall we do?

Gaudete in Domino Sempre (Rejoice in the Lord always).
Today we are celebrating the Gaudete Sunday: the joyful Sunday. The latin word Gaudete means rejoice. It tells us about the joy which is very near. Soon we will be celebrating the nativity of the Lord. The birth of our Lord Jesus. Therefore, the liturgy of the word helps us to experience that joy. The cause of our joy is the Lord. Prophet Zephaniah calls the people to sing joyfully because the Lord is in our midst. John the Baptist calls for a renewal of life and proposes the practical things to do. Saint Paul by writing to the church of Philippians resolve the problems that divides but have the same mind. Rejoice always in the Lord. We must rejoice because the Lord is amidst us.

Commentary on the readings:

First reading from the book of Prophet Zephaniah:
Historical setting of the book of Prophet Zephaniah:
A few years after the end of Josiah’s reign (609 B.C.), Jerusalem fell to the Babylonians (587 B.C.). The Babylonians killed many of the people of Judah, and carried the rest into exile in Babylonia. It is during this terrible time that Zephaniah predicts what is stated in the first chapter of this book. The book of Zephaniah has only three chapters.
The chapter three is divided as follow:
a) 3:1-7 the wickedness of Jerusalem,
b) 3:8-13 the punishment and conversion of the nation and
c) 3: 14-20 a song of Joy.

The last verses of the book and the chapter foresees a time when Yahweh will redeem his people- when they will be free from exile and allowed to return to Jerusalem from Babylon. For the prophet the time of punishment has ended and the time of rejoicing has come. They will experience it when they are redeemed.
Israel has seen many kings but Yahweh is their true king. This Judah- and Jerusalem will not die, destroy; it will be restored from Babylon. Restoration will take place. So as Yahweh as their king they will not fear. God will be present as a warrior to bring victory from their enemies. God will love his people. People may betray but God’s nature is to love.
This joyful song is a festive song because their God will be amidst them and they will be redeemed by their Lord.

Second reading from the Letter to Philippians:
St. Paul is telling the church of Philippians to rejoice in the lord always. Why?
Now Paul is in prison. He is very fond of the church of Philippians he has established. But he found out in the church there is a difficult situation between the two ministers of the church called Euodia and Syntyche. St. Paul by writing to the church of Philippians resolves their problem that divide them but invites them to have the same mind. Rivalry is the cause for disputes and sorrow, which takes away the joy of living. Therefore, saint Paul advices the church to Rejoice in the Lord always. To be gentle in behavior and live a life of prayer and supplications because the Lord is near.

Gospel of Luke 3: 10-18
John the Baptist proclaims the message of repentance. He calls everyone to prepare the way of the Lord. His proclamation is described as the good news. This good news of repentance is calling for the renewal of life. People are asking him what shall we do? John Baptist is instructing the crowd how they can renew and prepare for the Lord.
1. Crowd –for the crowd he tells to share their clothes and food with the needy.
2. Tax-collectors- take the just tax, do no extortion. Do not be greed.
3. Soldiers – you be satisfied with your wages and practice no irregularities.

Sermon Starter:

Sr. Cecilia Maria of the Holy Face (smiling face in life and death)

Rejoice always in the Lord.

Cecilia María Sánchez Sorondo was born on Dec. 5, 1973, in Argentina. At the age of 24 she entered the Discalced Carmelites monastery in the city of Santa Fe, receiving the name Cecilia María of the Holy Face. She was outgoing, spontaneous, happy, and embodied in her life friendship with Christ and love for others. She dedicated herself to prayer and the contemplative life, played the violin, and was known for her sweetness and permanent smile.

She was diagnosed with tongue cancer, and her illness worsened due to lung metastasis, so she had to be hospitalized. But she didn’t stop praying and offering the sufferings she endured, certain that her encounter with God was coming soon. Her last wish, which she wrote on a piece of paper, was: “I was thinking about what I wanted my funeral to be like. First a little intense prayer, and then a big party for everyone. Don’t forget to pray but don’t forget to celebrate either!”

Her testimony and the photos of her last days went around the world, especially because she kept her characteristic smile until the moment of her death, which occurred in Buenos Aires on June 23, 2016. Sister Cecilia Maria of the Holy Face died of cancer at age of 43. (cf. Julieta Villar/ACI Prensa/CAN).

Points to reflect
Rejoice in the Lord always:
1. Believe that your Lord is saving you.
2. Repent and bring renewal in life
3. Keep the Lord within you
4. Avoiding all types of disputes and having one mind in the Lord to rejoice.
5. Practice a just, gentle, prayerful and charitable life.

Let the smiling face of Jesus radiate your life. Smile is contagious. Birth of Jesus is the light in the darkness.

Fr. Marcus Fernandes OFM. Cap
(Our Lady of Arabia Cathedral, Awali)

second Candle – of Peace

Readings:
First: Baruch 5:1-9.
Responsorial Psalm 126: 1-2, 2-3,4-5,6
Second: Phil 1:4-6, 8-11.
Gospel: Luke 3:1-6.

Introduction:
Psalm 125 sets us a tone to understand the pains and joys of life. It tells about the pain of bondage, the sufferings of hardship and the joy of freedom and happiness of reaping the harvest. The faithful psalmist acknowledges that the hand of God is in all the blessings he has received. Therefore, he says, “the Lord has done great things for us, we are filled with joy”. The Prophet Baruch in the chapter five tells us about the pain of a mourning mother -Jerusalem, but the Lord brings the joy in her life as the exiled children return back to her. This returning to Jerusalem, to God means receiving the baptism of Repentance. Metanoia: Reject sin and accept God. The church of Philippians is an example who accepted God by embracing the gospel of Jesus. The second Sunday of Advent invites us to reflect on our journey of Faith.

Sermon Starter: The Story of the prodigal son. (Metanoia- to turn away from sin and return to God). Journey of faith always brings us back to God. Our Joy is in the Lord.

Commentary:

First reading from the book of Prophet Baruch 5: 1-9:
The context of this first reading is that the people of Israel are taken into exile and Jerusalem is in sorrow. In this environment the prophet gives the message of renewal, returning of joy. So what is expected of the people? They have firstly to take off (Baruch5:1), secondly put on, thirdly arise, stand and look to the salvation prepared by God.

Firstly: Baruch 5:1. Take off the garments of your sorrow and affliction (penitential rite). Jerusalem is personified as a mother mourning for her exiled children. Verse 5.1 says, take off the garment of your sorrow and affliction. This garment of sorrow is a sign of weeping and mourning. Chapter 4:20 says, “I have put off the robe of peace and put on the sackcloth of supplication. Because Jerusalem have seen the people are taken into exile, into slavery by the enemies. Therefore, Jerusalem is shown as a sorrowful, who lost the peace.

Secondly: Change of clothing: Put on the robe of glory and peace (conversion).
O mother Jerusalem now put on forever the beauty of the glory from God, put on the robe of righteousness, put on your head the diadem (miter) of the glory of the everlasting God will give you a new name: “Righteous peace, godly glory”. In the bible putting on new clothing, robe, ring symbolizes: a divine blessing, a change in status (the parable of the repentant prodigal son). Your sins are forgiven and your punishment is taken away.

Thirdly: Baruch 5: 5-6; Arise, O Jerusalem and stand on high and look (witness): your exiles are coming back. They were taken on foot and now coming on throne. (reflect the psalm 125: they sow in tears and reap with joy). Freedom from slavery brings joy.

Preparing the way: v. 7. For God has ordered that every high mountain and the everlasting hills be made low and the valleys filled up, to make level ground, so that Israel may walk safely in the glory of God. This passage is closely connected to prophet Isiah 40:3-4 and in Gospel of Luke: 3:4-6. A kingly people who were taken in exile will be given a royal welcome. God has ordered to remove all the obstacles on the road to receive his people. The mountains of pride and valleys of sin will be leveled to prepare the way of the Lord.

Baruch 5: 9: God will bring Israel with joy, with mercy and justice that comes from him.
Jerusalem, your God forgives you so repent and receive a robe with God’s glory.

Second Reading: Phil 1: 4-6, 8-11
In the beginning of the Letter Paul prayers and encourages to the church of Philippi. Paul is impressed by their spiritual maturity. He appeals to them to continue their life according to the Gospel, so that they may be pure and blameless for the day of Jesus Christ. The day of Jesus Christ means, the second coming of the Lord. They prepare for it by following the Gospel: Jesus and his teachings. This is a beautiful lesson for every Priest or leader to encourage your congregation or team to keep on giving their best until we achieve the final target.

Gospel of Luke 3:1-6.
John the Baptist is placed in a historical context with lot of details.
As we celebrate the second Sunday of Advent the church places before us John the Baptist the precursor of Jesus. And his message is to the point: to prepare the way of the Lord and to receive the baptism of the repentance.

Proclaiming a Baptism of Repentance:
Greek word Metanoia (making a U-turn)– a genuine renewal and conversion of heart. This metanoia brings the forgiveness of sins. It brings total healing in relationship with God and others. Repentance means turning away from sin. As prophet Baruch says, take off the clothes of sorrow and put on the robes of righteousness. Give up your sinful life and embrace holiness.

Prepare the way of the Lord:

As per the ancient culture when a king wanted to visit any part of his kingdom, his servants were sent ahead to prepare his journey. The roads and everything was prepared to receive the king without any hurdles. The people of Yahweh are reminded by the prophet John the Baptist prepare the way of the Lord. The King/ God Jesus is coming. Give up your sinful life and receive the Son of God.

Key Messages: Story of the merciful Father and Prodigal son
1. The Lord turns your sorrow into joy: The second Sunday of Advent reminds us to prepare for the coming of the Child Jesus and the king of Kings. God is turning the mourning of the Jerusalem into joy. He delivers them from their slavery with His mercy and Justice.
2. Give up sinful life and return to the Lord: John the Baptist proclaims the Baptism of repentance to prepare the way of the Lord. Sacrament of Confession.
3. Pray and Encourage your faithful to follow the Gospel: St. Paul prays and encourages the church of Philippians to prepare for the second coming of Christ by continuously practicing the gospel of the Lord in purity and blameless life on your journey of faith.

By Fr. Marcus Fernandes OFM.Cap
(from Cathedral of Our Lady of Arabia, Awali-Bahrain).

Introduction
This year 2025, the Catholic Church celebrates the Jubilee year. “Spes Non confundit” (Hope does not disappoint). This message is given by his Holiness Pope Francis. It is based on St. Paul’s letter to Romans5:5.

https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/bulls/documents/20240509_spes-non-confundit_bolla-giubileo2025.html( read the beautiful signs of hope from nos 7-15).

First advent candle – HOPE

Advent is a liturgical season. Liturgically, it has four Sundays before the celebration of the Christmas. It is a time of waiting for the Lord. It is a period of preparation for the coming of the Lord. It reflects of the two comings of Jesus: firstly, reflecting on the first coming that is the incarnation of Jesus, the historical event and secondly waiting for the second coming of Christ. Therefore, the main themes of the advent season are watchfully waiting, preparation, hope, restoration etc.

A sermon starter:
Book: The Road of Hope: A Gospel from Prison by Cardinal Francis Xavier Nguyen van Thuan.

In 1975, Venerable Francis Xavier Nguyen Van Thuan was traveling to Saigon, Vietnam, to become its new Coadjutor Bishop. On the way, he was arrested and imprisoned for a period of thirteen years, out of which 9 years he spent in solitary confinement of the prison. On the very first day in the prison his concern was, “will I be able to celebrate the Eucharist?”

His captors permitted him to write his family for any necessities. He wrote along with other materials he needed, “please send me a little wine as medicine for my stomachache” that is the raw material for the celebration of Holy Mass. The code was written: Medicine for stomachaches. The host was sent in a flashlight. During his isolation everyday he celebrated the Eucharist at 3 pm remembering the sacrifice on Calvary: holding wine and water drops on the palm of his hand and crumbs of the host. His hands became an Altar; His cell was a cathedral. He celebrated Mass from his memory.

From the prison he wrote brief reflections, encouraging messages for his people on scrap of paper, which were smuggled out of prison. They were recopied and circulated among the community. in the book “The Road of Hope: Gospel from prison”, is the collection of 1,001 messages, written to console and strengthen a weary people in a war-torn land. A shepherd from prison nourished himself with Eucharist and gave hope to his people through the gospel messages.

First Advent Sunday Readings:
First reading: Jeremiah 33:14-16;
Responsorial Psalm: 25: 4-5, 8-9,10,14;
Second reading: 1 Thessalonians 3:12-4:2;
Gospel Readings: Lk 21:25-28,34-36.

Breaking of the Word of God

First reading Jeremiah 33: 14-16: A message of Restoration-Hope
The setting of Jeremiah chapter 33 is: the prophet Jeremiah is in prison and the house of Israel and house of Judah are in destruction. In the prison the prophet receives the message from the Lord. The message for the people of God is the promise of restoration a message of hope for Israel. The new promise of restoration will be fulfilled through the house of David, a branch of righteousness (Messiah) who will reign over the earth.

Second reading 1 Thessalonians 3:12-4:2
Here we have the prayer of Saint Paul to the church of Thessalonians. In his prayer he is asking God to increase the fraternal love among them so that they grow up in holiness before our God at the final coming of the Lord.
Requesting the faithful to follow the instructions given. The instruction given to the church of Thessalonians to live a life of holiness are:
1. To refrain from immorality, impurity. They are adviced to acquire a wife to live in holiness and honor.
2. Mutual charity: God has taught you to love one another.
3. Live a life of tranquility, mind your own business, work with your own hands not to depend on anyone.
4. Christians are reminded to accept the death in faith, we hope in resurrection of the dead.
5. Vigilance: the day of the lord will come like a thief at night. Let us stay alert and sober. Putting on the breastplate of faith and love, the helmet for the hope of salvation.

Gospel Readings: Lk 21:25-28,34-36.
Jesus assured his followers on the earth that the tribulations will not last forever but be ready that He will return soon in glory. This is the second meaning of the advent that we are waiting for his Second coming.
Vv 34-36: To prepare ourselves: For this second coming of the Lord a strong warning is given to avoid that makes us intoxicated or involved in the cares of the world because it leads to unpreparedness or focuses our attention on the temporal things. We are advised to be prepared for these last days and always through watchfulness and pray.

Sermon outline:
1. We celebrate the new liturgical year C. This year is dedicated to the Holy Jubilee year with a message: Our hope does not deceive us (Rom 5:5).
2. Today is the first advent Sunday and we light the candle of Hope.
3. First Advent Sunday readings invites us to reflect and prepare on the two comings of the Messiah or Christ: historical and second coming in glory.
4. Sermon Starter: The road of hope: the Gospel from prison.
a. Prophet Jeremiah is in the prison and the people of Israel are surrounded by the destruction. From the prison the message for the broken and hopeless people is the promise of restoration by the righteous branch of David, that is Jesus.
b. In the Gospel of Luke, we are told to prepare for the second coming of Jesus.
1. All the hardships, tribulations will pass away or will be for a short time but the Lord will come in glory.
2. Therefore, we are advised not to pay attention to the passing things of this world but to be on watch and be in prayer because the day of the Lord will come like a thief. Be ready.
c. St. Paul’s 1 Thessalonians: Paul prayers for the church of Thessalonians so that the Love of God they have received may increase or multiply. He also instructs them to keep their holiness until the Lord comes in glory. The pastoral instructions are:
1. To keep away from immoral life,
2) To hold on to mutual love as taught by Jesus (the commandment of Love).
3) to keep a tranquil life. Mind your own business.
4) we accept death in faith and hope.
5. Be vigilant the day of the Lord will come like a thief.
Your Hope Keeps you moving ahead by facing all the odds of life. Our hope is Jesus. He is dead and risen to die no more.

Fr. Marcus Fernandes OFM.Cap
(Our Lady of Arabia Cathedral, Awali, Bahrain)

First reading: Dn 7:13-14: The vision of Daniel
Ps 93:1,1-2,5: The Lord is King; he is robed in majesty.
Second reading: Rev 1:5-8: Jesus Christ, the first born from the dead.
Gospel: John 18:33b-37. Are you the king of the Jews?

Homily
Introduction
Today is the last Sunday of the liturgical year B. Liturgical year ends with a high proclamation that Jesus Christ is the King of the Universe. He is the Alpha and Omega. He dominates every power on earth and every knee shall bend (genuflect) at name of Jesus like the magi.

History of the institution of Christ the King Solemnity (1925)
Pope Pius XI was closing the Holy Year 1925 (like the coming Jubilee year 2025) by inserting into the sacred liturgy a special feast of the Kingship of Our Lord Jesus Christ. He instituted it with his encyclical Quas primas (in the first) given on 11th of December 1925. He gave this feast in the context of the growing secularism, atheism and that followed the fall of European kingdoms after the first world war. This solemnity reminds us that governments of this world will come and go, but the Christ reigns as King will be forever with no end. This solemnity invites and encourages us to witness our faith in public.
After the intuition of the solemnity, the first Parish dedicated to Christ the king in the world was in Cincinnati, Ohio (USA), in 1926.

Sermon starter:

Cristeros were crying Viva Cristo Rey 1926-1929:
Cristeros’ (soldiers of Christ) story is of the catholic in Mexico against the government in the year 1926. The government rule of Plutarco Elias Calles came heavily on the Catholic Church. The foreign priests were deported, the local priest were banned and public worship was stopped. The revolutionary government confiscated all church property, including hospitals, monasteries, convents and schools. The dominion of the government was defended by Christians through their faith, by a group called Cristeros and their slogan was viva Cristo Rey (Long live Christ the King).

We have a beautiful witness of Saint Jose Sanchez del Rio called Joselito- a young Cristero of 14 years was one of the inspiration who witnessed Christ during the time of persecution. Joselito- the little boy while taking permission from his mother to join the cristeros, said “Mama, do not let me lose the opportunity to gain Heaven so easily and so soon”. He was captured and tortured- by tearing the soles of his feet and making him to walk up to his grave: He says, “It had never been so easy to earn heaven”. But he continued witnessing his faith through the slogan, “Long live Christ the King! Long Live the Virgin of Guadalupe!”

Commentary:
First reading: Daniel 7: 13-14.
The Book of prophet Daniel has 12 chapters. Chapters 1-6 describes the life and times of Daniel and Chapters 7-12 describe visions of Daniel. Chapter 7 from the book of Daniel starts with the dominions of the four beasts (ch 7:4-8).
1) Like lion who had wings of eagle (- lion and eagle are kings of their realms representing empire of Babylonian),
2) Like a bear (a bear is slower, stronger and more crushing than a lion- it represent Medes-Persian empire).
3) Like a Leopard with four wings (signifies swift) and four heads (signifies as clever) (is known for sudden, unexpected attacks representing Greek empire).
4) Fourth beast dreadful and terrible. It had 10 horns. (it represents Roman empire).

These four beasts or kingdom are destroyed and the Son of Man takes the throne. Their dominions are taken away. This passage describes the transition from human dominion on earth to divine dominion. The son of man succeeds the reign of the beast (empires). The title Son of Man is referred to Jesus in the gospel at least 40 times. He receives all dominion held by the beasts and his reign will be permanent.

Psalm 93: The Majesty of God –

Psalm 93 describes Theocracy (Kingship of God). In this psalm we have the kingship of God, who created the world by defeating the sea. God is King, the Lord reigns is symbolically shown as ruling over the sea and floods the figures of chaos and rebellion.

Revelation 1: 5-8: The book of revelation is the revelation of Jesus Christ.

In the first chapter 1:5-8 John gives us the presentation of Jesus: we have the greetings of grace and peace from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the first born of the dead and ruler of the kings.
a) The faithful witness: Jesus is faithful to Father and to his people. The word martyr
means witness.
b) First born from the dead – the first person resurrected.
c) He is the ruler over the kings: He will have dominance over every earthly kings.
d) As Lord He loved us first and when we were dirty he washed us (cleansed us). This washing proves love. To this loving Jesus we give glory and dominion: we give him glory for everything he has done for us and for what he is. Dominion means to let someone to rule over some. So the dominion of Jesus is to allow him truly to rule over us: our body, soul and spirit.
e) Amen it simply means “YES”.
In the verse 7 we have a description of Jesus’ return: he is coming on clouds. Clouds are associated with God’s presence and glory. And every eye will see Him: his first coming was obscure/ simple and now it won’t be a secret. Even they who pierced him- this is the reminder of his previous rejection.
In the verse 8 we have the self-introduction from Jesus himself: I am the alpha and omega (A-Z), beginning and end, who is, was and who is to come, the Almighty. The basic idea of this sentence is that Jesus was before all things and will beyond all things.


Gospel John 18: 33b-37: To Understand this passage, we must read the chapters 18-19
(which starts from betrayal and arrest of Jesus…). Pilate has only one concern and that is to know if Jesus is a threat to Rome. V.33 are you the king of Jews? V 36-37: My kingdom is not of this world: He is king and his kingdom is heavenly, of God and not earthly kingdom. He seeks Godly Kingdom.

A different kind of King: compassionate and loving
Jesus begins his ministry without an army and without a people. After the multiplication of loaves, the multitude wanted to make him a king. People wanted the material favors but Jesus affirmed his kingdom is not of this earth. The people welcomed him in Jerusalem with the palm leaves and slogans of Hosannas (victory parade). Pilate asked him, “are you the king of Jews?” my kingship is not of this world. If my kingship were of this world, my servants would fight that I might not be handed over to the Jews. While Jesus was crucified: on the cross it was written: INRI (Jesus of Nazareth the king of Jews). A King with a Sacred Heart: full of love and Compassion. A Servant-Leader-King. Therefore, a different kind of King who loves, serves and saves his people.

Points to ponder:
1. The incarnation– the first coming of Jesus was obscure, weak, simple and servant
type. After his death and resurrection, it is reflected as glorious: The Son of Man is
coming with clouds that is in glory.
2. The solemnity of Christ the King reminds us of Jesus who has defeated sin, death,
Satan and conquered every dominion and powers. Therefore, everyone should bend
their knee at his name.
3. He is majestic and all powerful– omnipotent but he rules with Love and mercy. Jesus loved us first and then he washed us from our sinfulness.
4. Christ the King is faithful to God and his people.
5. We are Cristeros – the soldiers of Christ and Christ is our king. We witness Him.

Written by Fr. Marcus Fernandes OFM.Cap
(Cathedral of Our Lady of Arabia, Awali, Bahrain)

Eighth World day of the poor: “The prayer of the poor rises up to God”

On the feast day of Saint Anthony of Padua, the patron saint of the poor, Pope Francis gave a message to celebrate the world day of the poor. By quoting from the book of Sirach 21:5, “the prayer of the poor rises up to God” Pope begins his reflection. How can we not recall here in the city of Rome, Saint Benedict Joseph Labre (1748-1783), whose body rests and is venerated in the parish church of Santa Maria ai Monti. A pilgrim from France to Rome, rejected by many monasteries, he spent the last years of his life poor among the poor, spending hours in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament, with the rosary, reciting the breviary, reading the New Testament and the Imitation of Christ. Having no place to stay, he usually slept in a corner of the ruins of the Colosseum like a “vagabond of God,” making his life a ceaseless prayer that rose up to God.

https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/messages/poveri/documents/20240613
messaggio-viii-giornatamondiale-poveri-2024.html
———————————————————————————————-
Sermon for the 33rd Sunday 2024-year B
First reading: Daniel 12:1-3.
Second reading: Hebrew 10:11-14,18
Gospel acclamation: Lk 21:36
Gospel of Mark: 13:24-32.

DO NOT GIVE UP- HOLD ON TO YOUR FAITH TILL THE END
Today as we celebrate the thirty-third Sunday of the ordinary times, so called the second last Sunday of the liturgical year 2024. On the last Sunday we will celebrate the Solemnity of the Christ the King.

2 | Page

This Sunday as we are a step away from the closure of the liturgical year B, the readings are focusing on the end of the times. They tell us on the one hand about the final tribulations but on the other they encourage the faithful with hope to withstand it by focusing on God and eternal life. The first reading is taken from the last chapter of the book of Prophet Daniel (Dan12:1-3) and the Gospel reading is selected from the thirteenth chapter of the Gospel of Mark (Mk 13: 24-32). Both these readings are called the apocalyptic literature, because they have the similarity to the great apocalypse narrated in the book of Revelation.

The word apocalypse means unveiling or revelation. Apocalyptic literature usually reflects a strong dualism: good against evil. Apocalyptic literature usually comes during the time of difficulties in order to proclaim a message of hope. It is mostly done in a coded language (like numbers, colors, animals etc.). It gives a hope for the faithful who are suffering or persecuted for their faith in the Lord, but they will surely receive a reward at the end.
Thus the second last Sunday of the liturgical year reminds us of the tribulation (difficulties
in life) but we are reminded of the final victory is always of the Lord. All will pass away
but my words will not, says Jesus. So hold on to your faith till the second coming of the
Lord.

First Reading is taken from the book of Prophet Daniel. The book of Daniel has twelve chapters and it could be divided into two parts. Part one includes chapters 1-6: it tells of the faith of the Jews particularly of Daniel and his three companions in the court of the foreign king in the land of Babylon (exile) and the second part: chapter 7-12 includes the apocalyptic literature. It tells of the hardship the faithful will face after prophet Daniel and Jews of his time. Each of the vision narrates and gives us the assurance that the victory will be of God. The last chapter in the book of the prophet Daniel gives the assurance that at that time Michael (archangel) will rise to protect your people. There will be resurrection: some for eternal life or some for eternal disgrace. Those who lead a just life will shine eternally. A message is, “be faithful to your God in all situations”.


3 | Page

Gospel Reading
The chapter 13 begins with the foretelling of the destruction of the temple. The temple
of Jerusalem is the center of worship for the Jewish people. But this temple will be destroyed and henceforth the center of the worship will be Son of Man- Jesus. The disciple of Jesus asked him, “when these will happen and what are the signs that all these things will be accomplished? Jesus starts to explain with a lengthy discourse with signs. v.6: false messiahs and false prophets. v.7 wars and rumors of wars, v.8 earthquakes and famines, v.9 persecution, v.12 betrayal by family members, v.14 the abomination of desolations, v.24 darkening of the sun and moon and v. 25 the falling of the stars. The point is very clear that the destruction of the temple may take place but keep your faith in the son of man- who is the center of the worship, “destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up”.

This Gospel of Mark was written to the persecuting Christians. The Christians are assured through the parable of the fig tree which blossoms (v.28)- a hopeful sign which indicates that after the winter season it will be alive. A sign for the faithful after the death and resurrection of Jesus there will be a new life.

The Gospel acclamation is taken from the Gospel of Luke but it is like the continuation
of chapter 13 v. 33 from Mark. We are invited to be spiritually alert by being Vigilant at
all times and by praying.

Second Reading
It speaks about the spirituality of the High Priest and his duties in the temple. His duties to offer prayers and sacrifices. Now Jesus the new high priest offers the one and only sacrifice of himself and pays the ransom by his own blood to save the people from the evil one.


4 | Page


Some points to ponder:
1. The penultimate Sunday of the liturgical year 2024 reminds us of the final tribulation.
2. The final victory is of God over the evil, which is already accomplished through Jesus Christ.
3. There is a resurrection of the dead.
4. The faithful must be firm in their faith till the end.
5. The means to be spiritually alert by being vigilant and in pray. The Holy Eucharist is the source of nourishment through Word and Sacred body of Christ.
6. God has given his spiritual guardian ( Michael archangel and guardian angles ) to protect his faithful.

A Sermon starter:
St. Dominic Savio died at the age of fourteen. He was only a 12 years old schoolboy
when he first met his mentor, St John Bosco. In his biography of Dominic, Don Bosco
preserves a wonderful episode. One day, when Dominic was playing football with the other
boys, Don Bosco asked him, ‘What would you do if you had only one hour left to live?’ St
Dominic Savio, replied, ‘I would continue playing football.’
Do your duties in a just manner: live your faith, prayer, studies, work, communication,
relationships, charity etc. as best as possible.

By Fr. Marcus Fernandes, OFM.Cap
At the Cathedral of Our Lady of Arabia- Awali- Bahrain.
17th November 2024.