Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time ‘C’

Today’s readings center on a big reality: one day, Christ will return in glory, and there will be a  final judgment. This isn’t just about fearing the end but about living each moment with meaning  and hope. 

The First Reading from Malachi talks honestly about what’s ahead. It warns that there will be  justice: people who choose good will be rewarded and those who choose evil will face  consequences. But this is not meant to scare us, it’s a reminder that what we do matters, and  that God ultimately wants to heal and restore those who seek Him. 

In his letter to the Thessalonians, Paul addresses the temptation to just “wait around” for Jesus’  return. He tells them, and us, that the best way to prepare isn’t by watching the sky or worrying  about the end, but by faithfully living each day. That means doing our work, caring for our  families, and showing up where we are needed, just as Paul worked with his own hands. Faith  is not passive; it shows up in action. 

In the Gospel, Jesus makes it clear that no one knows exactly when the end of the world will  come. Life can be unpredictable, and there will be tough times. Jesus says we might face  challenges just for being His followers. But He assures us: if we trust in God and stick to our  faith, we will never be alone! God will give us the courage and strength we need, no matter  what. 

For the first Christians who faced real persecution, this was great encouragement. For us, it’s a  powerful reminder: Don’t give up when life gets hard. Keep moving forward, trusting that God is  always with us. 

Preparing for “the Day of the Lord” is not about fear, it’s about living every day with intention: • Practice love, kindness, and forgiveness. Be generous and compassionate with the  people in your life, especially when it’s hard. 

• Make prayer a daily habit. Take a few moments each day, not just to ask God for things,  but to talk with Him and listen. Reading even a small part of the Bible regularly can give  you real perspective. 

• Examine your day each night. Before going to bed, think honestly about how you lived  today. Where did you do well? Where could you have been more loving or patient? Ask  for God’s mercy and the strength to do better tomorrow. 

In the end, God won’t judge us on our job titles, wealth, or popularity, but on how faithfully we  lived out our beliefs in kindness, honesty, and service to others. Our daily choices, big and  small, are what matter most.

Let’s live with hope and confidence, ready to welcome Christ any time - not because we’re  perfect, but because we’re doing our best to love God and others, each day.