Daily Gospel Reflection for November 17, 2024

Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

Today's Gospel: Mark 13:24-42

As we near the end of our liturgical year, the Gospel readings turn towards the second coming of Christ. Even though He tells us that no one will know neither the day nor the hour, Jesus gives His disciples signs to watch for. Reading them today might bring a bit of anxiety – the sun darkened, no light from the moon, and stars falling from the sky! However, Jesus’ disciples would’ve recognized these words as coming from Isaiah 13:10, describing the day the Lord comes.

For us, a new year approaches. We’ll celebrate Christ the King before the liturgical cycle begins anew, as Advent beckons us to prepare our hearts. The beginning and the end bring the same message. Wait for the Lord. Stay faithful as God is faithful. Fear not the coming of Christ! While He arrives in the beginning as a humble infant, He will come again with great power and glory!

Too often we only think of life in the here and now. We consult calendars and make plans for tomorrow, next week, next year. We may be looking at five-year plans, waiting for milestone graduations, or those empty nest years. But the truth of life is that no matter how we plan, we can never know exactly what will come or when. We can only make plans and watch for signs that the time is here.

Where does Jesus fit into our plans? Do we include Him in our plans? Or do we put off attending church or receiving the sacraments until “later?”

Ponder:

If Christ returned today, would you be ready? If not, what do you need to change?

Pray:

Thank You, God for the reminder that the Lord will come again with great power and glory. We will take these things to heart and watch for His return.

Daily Gospel 4